Victor Wembanyama Echoes Late Kobe Bryant’s Iconic ‘Job’s Not Done’ Ahead of NBA Finals

Victor Wembanyama spoke to the media heading into the NBA Finals.

Victor Wembanyama Echoes Late Kobe Bryant’s Iconic ‘Job’s Not Done’ Ahead of NBA Finals

Victor Wembanyama and Kobe Bryant (Image credits - Firstsportz)

Victor Wembanyama has shown the NBA world that he is destined for greatness. His game has shown extraordinary growth since being drafted into the NBA by the San Antonio Spurs in 2023.

In just his third season in the NBA, he led the Spurs to second place in a highly competitive Western Conference standings and has now taken them to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2014. There is no ceiling to his potential.

Along with his size and elite skillset, Wembanyama is also regarded for his mental toughness and belief. In his latest press conference, he remained grounded and echoed Kobe Bryant‘s famous words.

We haven’t done the hardest yet, the job isn’t done at all.

Victor Wembanyama in his press conference

Kobe Bryant is known for his competitiveness and elite mentality. The words used by Victor Wembanyama were reminiscent of Bryant’s “Job’s not finished” after going 2-0 up against the Orlando Magic in the 2009 NBA Finals.

The French star has shown everyone that he has what it takes at the highest level in his first-ever playoffs. Many expect him to dominate the league for years to come, and this is the first of many NBA Finals. Wembanyama has even said he hopes to be in his current position 15 more times.

In his first postseason appearance, Wembanyama has already broken a few records along the way and was named the Western Conference Finals MVP. He has been a game-changer in every series so far and will be expected to do the same in the NBA Finals against the New York Knicks.

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Victor Wembanyama joins Kobe Bryant and LeBron James in elite list ahead of NBA Finals

Victor Wembanyama is coming off a historic 2025-26 regular season. He became the first ever unanimous Defensive Player of the Year and made it to the top three of the MVP standings.

Heading into his first postseason, some believed that the Spurs lacked playoff experience to make a deep run despite their impressive regular season. However, Wembanyama and his teammates answered their critics in fine fashion.

Victor Wembanyama with the West Finals trophy
Victor Wembanyama with the West Finals trophy (Image via Polymarket Sports/X)

In the 17 playoff games he has played in so far, the French star has averaged 23.2 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 3.5 blocks. He has shown that he is a defensive specimen, but it is his scoring numbers that have impressed everyone.

Wembanyama joined an elite three-man list consisting of Kobe Bryant and LeBron James during these playoffs. They are the only three players in NBA history to lead their team in scoring heading into the Finals while being aged 22 or younger. Wembanyama has 394 points to his name and will be looking for more in the Finals.

Victor Wembanyama reminds Sean Elliot of Kobe Bryant

The hype and expectations surrounding Victor Wembanyama is off the charts. Barring any serious injuries, he is expected to be the face of the league for the next decade at least.

According to Spurs legend Sean Elliott, there is one player he cannot help but think about when watching Wembanyama play. He revealed:

At this age, the only one that really stands out to me, that has that kind of drive, that I saw at that young of age, personally, was Kobe Bryant. That’s the guy. He’s got that kind of killer instinct.

Sean Elliot on the “Dan Patrick Show”

The Frenchman is undoubtedly the best two-way player in the world today. He is a shot-blocking machine, and his scoring numbers are at par with the very best at his current age. He has 49 more points than the next best scorer for the Spurs, which is Stephon Castle.

The Spurs will need everything they can get from their superstar talent. He has been dominant throughout the playoffs and will be expected to do the same against the Knicks in the NBA Finals. Game 1 is scheduled to take place on Wednesday night at the Frost Bank Center.

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