Victor Wembanyama’s ascent in the NBA is happening faster than anticipated. Prior to the 2023 Draft, some believed Wembanyama could be the league’s best player on both offence and defence by his third season.
Such a rapid rise is rare in modern basketball. While Kareem Abdul-Jabbar won an MVP and championship in his second season, he had a full college career. Magic Johnson won Finals MVP as a rookie, but he had Abdul-Jabbar as a teammate. LeBron James reached the Finals in his fourth season but lost to the San Antonio Spurs.
Wembanyama’s Rapid Ascent
These predictions about Wembanyama were made shortly after his 19th birthday. He lacked NBA experience and didn’t play college basketball in the United States. He won the French MVP award in 2023 but barely played in the EuroLeague, where he averaged 6.5 points in 17.5 minutes.
Regardless, his potential was clear. Many believed he would become the world’s best basketball player, and possibly the best ever, if healthy.
Typically, such comparisons are reserved for players with established careers. Michael Jordan entered the GOAT conversation after his first three championships. LeBron James has said that his 2016 championship against the Golden State Warriors was the moment he felt he truly reached that level, in his 13th season.
Game 7 Victory Highlights Wembanyama’s Impact
Now in his third season, Wembanyama may have already reached the top. He and the Spurs defeated Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals.
Gilgeous-Alexander was hampered by injuries to Ajay Mitchell and Jalen Williams. Wembanyama played with two hobbled teammates, De’Aaron Fox and Dylan Harper.
During the regular season, Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 5.4 shot attempts in the restricted area per game. In the first six games of the Western Conference Finals, that number dropped to three. Without easy access to the rim, he struggled, shooting 32.1% in the non-restricted portion of the paint, 38.3% in mid-range, and 26.1% on 3s.
Wembanyama’s performance in the series, especially in Game 7, suggests he is on track to fulfill the early predictions about his potential.