Victor Wembanyama will need time to shine

Victor Wembanyama is the hottest basketball prospect on Earth. Not since LeBron James have we seen a player enter the NBA to as much fanfare. 

At times, it can feel like Wembanyama is being set up to fail. Coming into the league as a 19-year-old rookie whose basketball education took place on a different continent, Wembanyama will need time to acclimate.

This season, Wembanyama has been playing for Metropolitans of the LNB Pro A league. In 34 games, the consensus number-one pick has averaged 21.6 points, 10.4 rebounds and 2.4 assists, shooting 47% from the field and 27.5% from three. Those are some dominant numbers. Yet, it would be wise not to expect Wembanyama to replicate that production level in the near future. 

European basketball is played at a different pace. The court isn't as spaced out. And some of the rules are different -- especially when guarding the paint. Expecting Wembanyama to be an instant hit is unfair. There has to be bedding in, period. 

The NBA is unique due to the level of athleticism on offer. Wembanyama is likely to have never faced players with so much strength and explosiveness. And he almost certainly hasn't dealt with such talented defenders who think the game is faster than they play it. 

Wembanyama will likely become one of the best players in the NBA. He won't be among the best players during his rookie season. 

Big men often take longer to hit their stride, especially when they're coming from a different basketball culture. 

Give Wembanyama time to become great. Being the top overall pick in your class is enough pressure already. Having the expectation of being the next true superstar might be too much for the young big to handle. 

Hopefully, the Spurs coaching staff get straight to work with Wembanyama after the June 22 draft to give him the best chance of succeeding in his rookie year.