The 2023 NBA Draft could be a special one. Generational talents are expected to declare for the draft in Victor Wembanyama and Scoot Henderson. The two faced off a few weeks ago in an exhibition for the G League and put on a show while they were on the court.
The attention being given to Wembanyama is through the roof. Many people believe that he is the best prospect to enter the NBA since LeBron James and some believe he should be rated even higher.
Wembanyama is listed as being 7’2”, but based on photos that he took during his visit stateside, he could be even taller as he towered over fellow Frenchman, Rudy Gobert, during a photo opp. Gobert is listed as 7’1” but Wembanyama looked to be multiple inches taller than him. He essentially confirmed that, as Wembanyama said he is 7’3” without shoes on.
Players of that size are usually planted on the interior near the rim as opponents have no chance of containing them. But, Wembanyama is just as dangerous on the perimeter as he has the skill set of a guard, easily shooting over opponents who cannot bother him on jump shots.
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This season Wembanyama is averaging 21.3 points in 31 minutes per game. He is making 50.5 percent of his shot attempts and 33.3 percent from 3-point range. 8.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 2.9 blocks per game round out his stat line.
While Wembanyama is clearly a special player, he is far from a finished product. He will need to add strength and size to his frame. Improving as a defender is something that Shaquille O’Neal believes that Wembanyama will need to do as well.
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During a recent episode on Basketball Stories – House of Bounce, O’Neal talked about Wembanyama. He likes what he shows offensively, but cautions that Wembanyama will be tested in the NBA by players who will go right at him regularly.
“I haven’t really seen anybody pressure him. I’ve seen a lot of offense. But when you’re playing against the 7-footer, you got to take it to him. The true test is when he gets there, and Zion is going to come at him. Embiid is going to come at him. Joker is going to come at him. So that will be a true test.
“Right now, all the clips I’m seeing on him are just about him offensively. 7’3, with a great soft touch, and he plays like a guard. But it depends on him if he wants to be the best big man ever.”
The potential is there for Wembanyama to be one of the best players in the NBA given his elite combination of size and skill. But, it will take more than offensive brilliance to reach the upper echelon of the league.
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As O’Neal states, he will have to hold up against the best players in the league at his position defensively. If he can do that, he will be a special player as Wembanyama should be an excellent offensive player right off the bat.
