Wembanyama's all-around game hints at Jordan-level influence in NBA
As Victor Wembanyama’s rookie season unfolded, it became clear that the NBA's next generational talent was making his mark in ways that transcended the stat sheet. Wembanyama’s ability to impact the game on multiple fronts has drawn comparisons to the league’s greats, but right now, only one legend comes to mind: Michael Jordan.
While such comparisons may seem lofty this early in his career, the number of records he scribbled his name under back them up. The stat lines Wembanyama produced in his first year have already started placing him in the conversation with the GOAT.
A prime example came in March of his rookie season when Wembanyama became the youngest player since Shaquille O'Neal to record 30 points, 10 rebounds, five blocks, and five assists in a single game. These kinds of all-around performances are part of what makes Wemby special, but it's also very specific.
Opposing fan bases will tire of seeing Wembanyama's name everywhere
Stat tracking is only getting more specific. His versatility and ability to affect the game in so many areas are why his name will likely appear in the history books for decades to come.
For those who would rather not click on the tweet to expand it, it finishes by saying, "Achiuwa was one of only three players to tally 100+ rebounds, 30+ blocks, and 20+ steals. The other two players were Victor Wembanyama and Anthony Davis."
It’s stats like these that make Wembanyama’s potential feel limitless. He’s in a category that includes not just modern stars, but players known for shaping the game at its highest level.
This echoes something long associated with Michael Jordan. As basketball analysis evolved, Jordan’s name kept popping up in some of the most obscure yet mind-blowing statistical categories. Whether it was scoring, defense, or clutch moments, Jordan's fingerprints are all over the NBA record books.
The Alien is already starting to show signs of a similar impact. His performance in areas that aren’t always glamorous—rebounding, blocking shots, and even racking up steals—are proof of his diverse influence on the game.
As NBA analytics get more refined, it’s easier to appreciate the complexity of what Wembanyama is doing on the court. In fact, there was a time when blocks and steals weren’t even tracked, and now those metrics are critical in evaluating a player's defensive presence.
Similarly, Wemby's unique ability to stretch the floor offensively, protect the rim, and run the fast break makes him a statistical darling. He’s the type of player whose impact shows up everywhere, making him a nightmare to game plan against.
And this is just the beginning. As the Rookie of the Year's game continues to grow and evolve, he’s poised to have a career that reads like an NBA history lesson. His combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ puts him in a category few have ever reached.
In a way, Wembanyama is set up to be the type of figure that future generations talk about like a mythical legend, much like how Michael Jordan is remembered today.
The NBA’s stat-tracking and analysis have come a long way, and players like Wembanyama are benefiting from it. But even without the fancy stats, anyone watching him play can see his influence on the game. As his career progresses, don’t be surprised if Wembanyama’s name keeps coming up in all the conversations that matter, just like Jordan's.