Victor Wembanyama close to recreating Michael Jordan’s incredible ’88 season, claims ex-NBA star

San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama has all the tools to replicate Michael Jordan's all-dominant 1988 season.

Victor Wembanyama close to recreating Michael Jordan’s incredible ’88 season, claims ex-NBA star

San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama and Michael Jordan

If there is any one season that defined what individual greatness in basketball could be, it was Michael Jordan and his incredible 1988 season. That year, he won awards which usually go to a handful of players combined. Since then, only LeBron James has come close to achieving the same, but slightly differently. Now, with the way Victor Wembanyama is ascending, Gilbert Arenas thinks it could be replicated.

The former All-Star was speaking with his panel on his show, Gil’s Arena. While discussing about the Frenchman’s progress in his rookie season, Arenas said:

That ’26-’27 season, man that’s going to be all Wemby. That’s going to be blocks, steals, rebounds. He’s going to have a Jordan ’87-’88 year.

Gilbert Arenas on Victor Wembanyama
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He said this after he was told that in his rookie season, Victor Wembanyama averaged 21.4 points playing 29.7 minutes per game. Add the rest of his abilities, and Gilbert Arenas predicted where this is going.

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For instance, he led the league in blocks and was top eight in total rebounds per game. Wemby was top 22 in steals per game while playing slightly less than 30 minutes. If he played 35 minutes, something that most superstars on other teams do, he should be averaging more points per game.

Michael Jordan‘s list of accolades in the 1987-88 season were NBA league MVP, All-Star game MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, scoring champion, steals leader, Slam dunk champion, All-NBA and All-Defensive First team. Given what the San Antonio Spurs rookie could do in his rookie season, Gilbert Arenas feels Victor Wembanyama can replicate Jordan’s ’88 season.

San Antonio Spurs setting up Victor Wembanyama for greatness

While playing with other young players in his debut season, the San Antonio Spurs observed what they need to do in order to take the next step. They brought in veteran leaders such as Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes. Their presence will be helpful in giving Victor Wembanyama valuable experience to lean on.

The rest of the young squad will also gain from those two players. With the addition of stud rookie Stephon Castle, now the French phenom has a backcourt mate to help him get into scoring positions.

The San Antonio Spurs know that Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes won’t be around for long. But if they can help their young team grow, it will pay dividends down the line.

For the 7′ 4″ star, his offseason development will also go to help him play better going forward. With the warning he gave out after the Paris Olympics, expect him to go out be elite. He wants to be the best there is.