Victor Wembanyama has been praised in more ways than anyone can describe for years now. He's proving the potential was real in his rookie season, being praised by Metta World Peace. The former Defensive Player of the Year has said Wembanyama is the closest thing we've seen to Wilt Chamberlain, going so far as to say that Wemby will one day score 101 points in a game.
"[Victor Wembanyama] is the closest to Wilt [Chamberlain] that we'll ever see. Wilt averaged 13 points his first year with 20+ rebounds. I think this kid is going to beef up, he's gonna get better. He's going to run into a Detroit Pistons from this year, or the Clippers from 20 years ago, and he going to go get 101. At some point in time in the next seven years, he's going to for sure catch a rhythm against a rookie that can't guard, and boom, 101-piece averaging 40. I think you're going to see that from this kid."
That is an incredibly high ceiling to set for Wembanayma. He's averaging 18.9 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 3.1 blocks this season, but his lack of winning impact has caused many to have Chet Holmgren ahead of him in the Rookie of the Year race.
Chet has lower numbers across the board by playing next to MVP frontrunner Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on a contending team. Wemby is the best player in San Antonio, being groomed for his future as a franchise cornerstone.
One of the reasons for the Spurs being 5-28 and 15th in the West is Gregg Popovich openly experimenting with what his players can or can't do. That applies to Wemby as well, as Pop has tried his best not to limit his game to outside shooting or rim finishing, but to find a way to display his entire offensive skill-set.
Gregg Popovich Wants To See Victor Wembanyama Develop In Every Aspect
Fadeaway World spoke to Gregg Popovich in November, as the Spurs head coach revealed the developmental tract they're taking with Wembanyama by letting him put his entire skill-set to use.
"At this point, we're in observation mode... We don't know what his game is going to be. I think with his height and natural abilities, it's wiser for me to watch him play and see where he feels comfortable. What are his innate abilities on the court as far as where he can be the most effective? Is it down in the post? On the wing? In transition? Should he be a perimeter player or a post player? Maybe all of the above. I think watching him for a while gives us a good indication of where he fits and what his most significant contributions can be for the team. We've given him the freedom to shoot threes and learn."
Pop also emphasized how the franchise is teaching Wemby the correct way to defend, whether it's being in the right position in rotations or using his wingspan to disturb other teams while not fouling.
He is going to be a beast big man in the NBA. Whether he can scale the statistical heights of Wilt Chamberlain is something we can't determine this early, but he definitely has the talent to be one of the greatest players in league history.
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