Former NBA Star Realizes Wemby's Limitless Potential

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Lance Roberson | Last updated Jan 6, 2025 4:45 PM ET

Giving Victor Wembanyama praise would sound like hyperbole if directed at another player. However, consider Wembanyama one of the few stars capable of reaching his expectations. The San Antonio Spurs star center has the potential to become one of the greatest players of all time. A four-time NBA All-Star recently placed limitless expectations on Wembanyama.

Four-time NBA All-Star DeMarcus Cousins is not one for pleasantries. The former Sacramento Kings star had a reputation for punishing opposing centers and their teams with his physical style. However, on a recent episode of FanDuel's Run It Back, Cousins provided nothing but compliments for Wembanyama.

“There is no doubt in my mind he'll go down as one of the greatest of all time," Cousins said. "At minimum, Wemby will be the greatest defensive player of all time... sky’s the limit."

Cousins played against Tim Duncan, so he understands the legitimacy of a center growing under the supervision of the Spurs. The polarizing center averaged 19.6 points and 10.2 rebounds in 11 NBA seasons.

Before Nikola Jokic, Joel Embiid, Kristaps Porzingis, Karl-Anthony Towns, and now Wembanyama, Cousins had the skillset that once received the "unicorn" designation. Anyone can see Wembanyama has all-time potential, but Cousins genuinely relates to what it means to be a versatile center.

Moreover, Cousins' praise of Wembanyama follows Jokic's comments after the Denver Nuggets' 122-111 victory over the Spurs on Saturday.

"I think he's a special player," Jokic said. "I think he's one of a kind and is going to be remembered forever."

At only 21, Wembanyama has the league, fans, and players on his side. Once the Spurs make the playoffs, the Spurs star can legitimately claim to be among the great players in the NBA.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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