Even though he has just played one year in the NBA, French center Victor Wembanyama is already showing signs of becoming one of the league’s most dominant players. Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard agrees with that take and even expects the San Antonio Spurs big man to reach that status as early as the upcoming season.
After generating so much hype during the previous offseason, Wembanyama went first in last year’s NBA Draft. From there, the French star proved to be the right pick for San Antonio and the ideal building block for the team’s future.
Even though his rookie campaign started slow, Wemby gained some steam and showed everybody what he can do. Over the course of 71 games this season, the big man averaged 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.2 steals, and 3.6 blocks on a nightly basis. He also shot 46 percent from the field, 32 percent from beyond the arc, and almost 80 percent from the free throw line.
While the Spurs were one of the worst teams in the NBA, Wembanyama’s performance was more than enough to generate tons of hype and interest for the Western Conference team. His campaign this season was ultimately affirmed with a Rookie of the Year award and runner-up in the Defensive Player of the Year race. With how his first year in the league went, it’s safe to say that things are bound to become better for the Spurs star in the years to come.
Milwaukee Bucks Star Damian Lillard Declares Bold Take on Victor Wembanyama For Next Season
Wembanyama’s impressive rookie campaign has caught the attention of his peers in the NBA. Among those who have given their take on the Spurs big man is Bucks All-Star Damian Lillard in an article written by Drake Bentley for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
“I think by next season people gonna be talking ’bout (Wembanyama) as being the best player in the league,” Lillard said.
Finding a player who handle the ball, shoot from anywhere the court, and defend at an elite level can’t be easily found these days. Turns out, Wembanyama boasts all of those skills, and even more. The scary part here is that he himself admitted that he should have done more, even with all the absurd numbers he posted all season long.
To get Lillard’s stamp of approval means a lot, especially for a young player like Wembanyama. If he continues playing like this, it won’t be long now before he does become the best in the entire league.
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