How Did Stephen A. Smith Criticize Victor Wembanyama?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jonah Kubicek | Last updated Dec 20, 2024 12:49 PM ET

On Thursday night, the San Antonio Spurs beat the Atlanta Hawks in overtime, 133-126. Victor Wembanyama made seven of his 15 3-point attempts and finished with 42 points and four blocks, and had a highlight dunk, tossing it off the backboard to himself to finish in traffic.

After the game, ESPN's Stephen A. Smith was asked about Wembanyama's abilities, and Smith--naturally--did not hold back. He thinks Wembanyama is presented as too one-dimensional as just a shot blocker and dunker when the French star excels at seemingly everything.

Smith, while demonstrating on a mini-hoop just how ridiculous Wembanyama's skills can be, suggested that fans pay attention to the entire game, not just the dunking highlights.

"Why the hell are we always making a damn big deal of this man dunking the ball?" asked Stephen A. on Friday morning. "Show me his ball handling! Show me that 3-point shot that he's been sniping all over the place! Show me his passing ability! Show me his shot-blocking!"

While Wembanyama is a force in the paint, his best skill is not just dunking, it is being able to score from anywhere at will.

"He's 7-5! He doesn't have to jump to dunk, and we want to make a big deal out of him dunking the damn ball. I need producers everywhere...shut the hell up about Victor Wembanyama dunking! He does not have to jump to dunk!"

Not only is Wembanyama leading the NBA in blocked shots, but his 34.3 percent mark from the 3-point line is better than guards like Trae Young, Ja Morant, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. He is an all-around player, and focusing on his dunks, as fun as that might be, does not do him justice.

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

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