Victor Wembanyama, a seven-foot-four-inch French teenager, has been making waves in the basketball world with his performances in the French professional league. He is widely presumed to be the No. 1 overall pick in this year’s NBA Draft. NBA stars such as LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Steph Curry, and Kevin Durant have expressed their excitement at Wembanyama’s arrival in the US. Analysts are likening his arrival in the league to that of James in 2003.
Wembanyama’s physical growth has only added to the intrigue surrounding him. He has grown to seven feet, four inches tall, potentially making him one of the tallest players in the NBA, with an eight-foot wingspan. However, it is his combination of size and skill with the ball which has made him such an intriguing talent. Most players his size develop into a prototypical NBA center, but Wembanyama has become elite at handling the ball, dribbling, passing, jump shooting, and from three-point range.
Wembanyama’s arrival in the NBA could have a transformative effect on one franchise. But more than that, it could have a revolutionary effect on basketball culture in France, a country with a long history with the game, despite it being « a closeted sport. » Wembanyama’s only appearance on US soil only added to the fascination surrounding his abilities, as he played in two exhibition games last season against development team G League Ignite and scored 36 and 37 points respectively.
There are concerns that Wembanyama’s slender frame may lead to injuries down the line, as many players around his height have struggled before with injuries to their lower limbs. But these injury concerns are not likely to dissuade any team from picking the Frenchman with the No. 1 pick. Wembanyama’s likely destination will be discovered on May 16 where several teams will be hoping to get lucky enough to be able to draft him.