Victor Wembanyama gets ULTIMATE LeBron James compliment from 5-time NBA title winning HC

Victor Wembanyama has already been compared to the greatest NBA players ever without even playing a single NBA game.

Victor Wembanyama gets ULTIMATE LeBron James compliment from 5-time NBA title winning HC

Lebron James (L) and Victor Wembanyama (R) (image via ESPN and CBS)

The young French basketball sensation Victor Wembanyama has been the subject of unparalleled buzz because of comparisons between him and NBA legend LeBron James, who was a generational prospect himself coming into the league. To reignite the comparison, the highly regarded San Antonio Spurs coach, Gregg Popovich, compared Wembanyama to James, pointing out that both players receive comparable amounts of attention and possess unimaginable basketball skills.

Popovich noted that Wembanyama’s prolonged anticipation, akin to James’, sets him apart even from celebrated San Antonio Spurs legends like David Robinson and Tim Duncan. The comparison underscores the immense pressure and expectations faced by Wembanyama as the top pick in the NBA Draft class 2023-24.

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Popovich said, per Tom Orsborn of San Antonio Express-News:

This guy has had that hype for so long, kind of like LeBron did. I compare him more to LeBron than [David Robinson and Tim Duncan] in that respect.

Wembanyama’s Spurs’ preseason exploits have only increased the excitement. His skill level has been praised by experts, who also highlight his potential to be a franchise cornerstone. Even though the Spurs have a history of developing great players, Popovich puts Wembanyama in a class by recognizing his distinct buzz.

There’s little doubt that the Frenchman’s NBA career will be eagerly followed, with expectations of seeing a player whose buzz rivals that of LeBron James and possibly a career that might be revolutionary in the league.

Victor Wembanyama joins ranks of LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, and other NBA Stars with must-see debuts

Victor Wembanyama, the no.1 choice of the San Antonio Spurs in the 2023 NBA Draft, has become a highly sought-after prospect amid unmatched hype, eliciting comparisons to basketball superstars such as LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant and Hakeem Olajuwon.

According to a New York Times story, experts had extremely high expectations for him and said that any player who wasn’t as good as Durant or Olajuwon would be viewed as a “disappointment.” The real test will come during the regular season, which starts on October 25 at Frost Bank Center, notwithstanding his strong preseason performance.

Victor Wembanyama and Steph Curry
Victor Wembanyama and Steph Curry (via Mercury News)

With fans, spectators and critics eagerly awaiting his debut, the 19-year-old rookie is under intense scrutiny as the limelight grows. Though encouraging in the preseason, Wembanyama needs to live up to the expectations placed on him at the draft by winning regular season games. Every blunder he makes is going to be scrutinized extensively and met with harsh criticism.

Examining the early careers of NBA icons allows spectators to understand the path of players who are destined for success. Wembanyama’s career is still early, therefore the best way to assess his potential is to watch how this bright talent develops in the NBA. Basketball fans will have to wait patiently.

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