Victor Wembanyama Is Set Up to Overtake Michael Jordan and LeBron James in GOAT Race, Says Analyst

Victor Wembanyama leading his Spurs to win the 2026 NBA championship will cement his legacy as the league's best player.

Victor Wembanyama Is Set Up to Overtake Michael Jordan and LeBron James in GOAT Race, Says Analyst

LeBron James, Victor Wembanyama, and Michael Jordan (Image via FirstSportz)

After Victor Wembanyama managed to show why the hype surrounding his entry into the NBA was worth it, everyone has started wondering whether he is going to be the ‘Face of the League.’

Many would prefer it were an American player. That is why Anthony Edwards gets mentioned a lot in any debate, as they would prefer if his on-court performances and swagger made him a global phenom.

The league has transitioned from traditionally tall and physically dominant players to a guard-friendly league. Despite that, the 7’4″ Spurs center has seemingly taken over the mantle.

His performances in Game 1, 3 & 5 were what helped the San Antonio Spurs eventually win the Western Conference Finals. At age 22, he managed to reach the NBA Finals, being the focal point of his team.

That trajectory is similar to Michael Jordan and LeBron James‘ careers. But in Victor Wembanyama’s case, Max Kellerman believes he has something the two GOATs never had.

He is better set up to be the GOAT than anyone ever. Coming into the league, Jordan, people finally understood how good he was in the Olympics… They didn’t know in the draft… LeBron comes with all this fanfare, he winds up in a situation that wasn’t great… He (Wemby) gets to the best possible organization he can get to.

Max Kellerman said on the Game Over Podcast

The former First Take analyst went on to talk about how the Frenchman has Gregg Popovich as his mentor, whereas both the other GOATs had to wait until they found some guidance and success. That is why Kellerman believes Wembanyama’s path to greatness is clearer than anyone has ever enjoyed.

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7-time Champion asks for patience with Victor Wembanyama

While Max Kellerman believes Victor Wembanyama has everything going for him. The Spurs have built a contender for him this early in his career, and he has Pop’s guidance to lean on.

The legendary coach has mentored Hall of Famers, which neither Michael Jordan nor LeBron James enjoyed early in their careers. With all that in his hands, it will not be difficult for the Spurs superstar to become the ‘Face of the League.’

I’m not saying he’s not great,… he’s a great defensive player. But all I’m saying is they trying to make him the be-all now. Like he is God’s gift to basketball. I’m just saying, give him time. Give him time. Let him mature. Let him take it. Don’t give it to him. Let him take it.

Robert Horry said on the Road Trippin’ Show

Having played with and against the likes of Jordan, James, Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal, and the Spurs greats from the early 2000s, Robert Horry has seen enough to know what is required for someone to be the Face of the League.

He echoed Charles Barkley‘s past comment of allowing Wembanyama to grab that throne. Horry believes it is too early, and both fans and the league should wait for him to progress a bit more.

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Another Hall of Famer gives Victor Wembanyama glowing praise

Victor Wembanyama is on the cusp of doing something neither Michael Jordan nor LeBron James could do: win an NBA championship at age 22.

Victor Wembanyama has all the tools to be the 'Face of the League'
Victor Wembanyama has all the tools to be the ‘Face of the League’ (Image via TT Fr/X)

Even though he has a great team built around him, Hall of Famer James Worthy, who has played alongside other all-time greats, made it clear that he has not seen someone like the ‘Alien’ before.

He’s a Steph Curry shooter with Kobe Bryant’s agility and has Wilt Chamberlain, and you know Nate Thurman’s ferocity. He’s just an amazing guy. He’s young, he’s verbal, he’s leading. I don’t think we’ve ever seen anything like him.

James Worthy said

If this is the praise a three-time champion and ‘His Airness’ former college teammate is handing out, it might be enough to crown Victor Wembanyama as the next ‘Face of the NBA.’ The only thing that he needs to wear the crown now is to win the title.

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