The Victor Wembanyama hype train is already in overdrive.
"The kid is basketball CGI," The Athletic's Zach Harper wrote about the top pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. "Through two preseason games, Wemby has been a walking highlight."
Victor Wembanyama showed the world tonight that the hype is real
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) October 14, 2023
( @IQfor3 )
pic.twitter.com/gXsqVqb3UY
In two preseason games, the San Antonio Spurs' 7-foot-4 big man is averaging 21.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, two assists and two blocks. Wembanyama is also shooting 64.3 percent from the field.
Wemby with the swipe and SLAM pic.twitter.com/Br4gcYAyCx
— NBA TV (@NBATV) October 10, 2023
In ESPN's annual ranking of the top 100 NBA players, Wembayama is slotted 47th, but that might be a little low.
"Wembanyama is unlike any prospect we've seen enter the NBA," ESPN noted.
Sandro Mamukelashvili, Wemby's teammate, compared him to Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, a two-time MVP.
"Just playing with him, you can see how freakish he is," he said. "He's taller than Giannis, longer. I feel like there's no saying what he can become."
Wembanyama has the perfect situation in San Antonio. The Spurs' Gregg Popovich is one of the greatest coaches in NBA history, and San Antonio has a history of developing big men (David Robinson and Tim Duncan) into all-time greats.
Even with Wembanyama, the Spurs will have a tough time competing for a playoff berth in the loaded Western Conference. The 19-year-old rookie, however, should be a force to be reckoned with for his entire NBA career.
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!