Number one overall draft picks always arrive in the NBA with heaps of hype. From Ben Simmons to Zion Willamson, we have long seen these vaunted players saddled with mountainous expectations. Victor Wembanyama is no exception. There has been no shortage of household names lining up to share their hot takes on the Frenchman, and he is now receiving comparisons to one of the greatest athletes of all time, LeBron James.
The human embodiment of Stretch Armstrong has put the basketball world on notice since landing in the United States, and longtime ESPN analyst Brian Windhorst chimed in live on "Get Up" that Wemby is more skilled than LeBron was at the same age. James put up impressive numbers during his rookie season, averaging 20.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game. Player comparisons can be a slippery slope, and having your name in the same breath as a living legend can be tough to live up to.
Regardless of the high standards for the young cornerstone, he made it apparent he was prepared to deliver during his regular season debut. Victor recorded 15 points, five rebounds, two steals, and two blocks. While that stat line may not blow your mind, all that production came in under 24 minutes. The 19-year-old stalwart also set a record for most threes by a rookie in their first game for the Spurs, and fans haven't seen a youngster open their career like this since David Robinson came on the scene.
It was far from a perfect debut for a 7-foot-3 forward, but his level of shooting touch was right in line with Windhorst's comments. Because LeBron had an inconsistent jumper, most teams game-planned to force him to beat them from beyond the arc when he entered the league. The future Hall of Famer eventually made that a part of his game, but it looks like Wembanyama is already miles ahead of the curve.
San Antonio is on a mission to build a dynasty around an all-time talent with all the poise and tools to lead them to success. This young man is already making a name for himself, and he is determined to exceed all expectations. Though some may doubt his abilities, they do so at their own risk. The latest NBA legend has arrived, the scent of victory is in the air, and the Spurs are at the dawn of a new era.