Michael Jordan’s GOAT status could be challenged by Victor Wembanyama

Victor Wembanyama moves unlike any 7 foot plus basketball player.

Michael Jordan’s GOAT status could be challenged by Victor Wembanyama

Michael Jordan's GOAT status could be challenged by Victor Wembanyama who is showing out for France in the Paris Olympics 2024

Michael Jordan is the yardstick by which every basketball player is judged. Especially, the ones who have the skills to beat good to great. LeBron James is not compared directly as a player but is comparable in the GOAT debate. The newest NBA superstar rookie, Victor Wembanyama is a skilled player with unreal length. Prompting reporters to ask the obvious comparison-based questions at the Paris Olympics 2024.

After their first game against Brazil, France head coach Vincent Collet was asked if the San Antonio Spurs phenom had any nerves. Especially considering it was his first Olympic game. He replied:

I think for the first time of his career, he was a little bit stressed. He was a little bit nervous. You have the people who know basketball, and they understand he’s only 20 years old. But people that like sports but don’t know basketball, they think Victor is already Michael Jordan. (But) take time. Take time.
Vincent Collet after France’s victory over Brazil

As a follow-up question, a reporter asked if Victor Wembanyama was far behind Michael Jordan, and he replied:

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Ah, he’s not far.
Vincent Collet after France’s victory over Brazil
YouTube video

Collet thinks the towering 20-year-old could be better than the GOAT, considering his physical attributes and skills.

One cannot dismiss Vincent Collet’s words. Wembanyama’s first game at the Paris Olympics 2024 was a delight to watch. He scored a game-high 19 points but added 9 rebounds, 4 steals, and again a game-high 3 blocked shots.

But his crowning play was when he took two steps from a low post position and reached out to dunk the ball. This caused the entire arena to erupt. In that play, his combination of both physical attributes as well as his skills on the ball, suggest he has all the tools to be better than Michael Jordan.

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Dwyane Wade had nothing but praise for Victor Wembanyama

Vincent Collet is not the only one who has seen what his player can do. Miami Heat legend and NBA Hall of Famer Dwyane Wade was talking with NBC’s Noah Eagle during the Brazil and France game in Paris. 

This guy is electrifying, and that’s not even a big enough word for what he brings. But what I love most about him, it's the patience of this player. The patience to make sure that his teammates get involved & get into the game first.
Dwyane Wade on NBC

That much praise from a player who was once thought of as a probable heir apparent to Michael Jordan is speaking a lot. Wade mentioned that his passion showed through.

https://twitter.com/ClutchPoints/status/1817237975366787451

By passion, he meant that every time Victor Wembanyama scored, he pumped his fists emphatically. Suggesting that performing well for France means so much to him. Very seldom do players have this much passion for the game and for their home nation.

All the Spurs rookie needs to do is channel that passion and develop his game. It should not be difficult to imagine him in the GOAT debate down the line. He has everything in his arsenal to do that and more.

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