Victor Wembanyama is expected to take over as the NBA best player sooner later, and one former player believes two factors often overlooked will play a major role in his success.
Just as the NBA considers the imminent retirements of Stephen Curry and LeBron James, debate heated over who will be the next “face of the league.”
Anthony Edwards, Jayson Tatum, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Paolo Banchero and Luka Doncic are all young and talented, but Victor Wembanyma is an obvious choice.
Between his previously unseen skill set and international charm, the only thing that has hindered him so far has been illness and injuries, but he has recently been completely dismissed from his thrombotic diagnosis.
One former player believes Wenbanyama will have no competition in the future.
Wenbanyama’s potential as a 7-foot-4 ball handler, shooter and defender is unparalleled. He is touted as a generation player with true goat potential, but his ability to maintain ground is impossible to ignore.
“He’s definitely the next face in the league,” predicted Joakim Noah. “I think the world can see that. He’s a really smart person with a high IQ.”
Wenbanyama honeed his skills in the summer with a monk and Kevin Garnett.
His frame and athleticism alone should be enough to take over as the “face of the league,” but Noah provided two other reasons why he found success.
Since being drafted first overall in 2023 by the San Antonio Spurs, Wenbagnama has yet to play meaningful basketball in the NBA. The Spurs simply remain competitive and the playoffs are far away.
However, as evident from the silver medals at the 2024 Olympics, Wenbanyama is not used to the important games with a large audience.
“That French and American game, you play in France in front of your people, in front of your family, in your friends, and just playing that game, in France, in the US on the national stage, and I think that’s going to be a big part of his DNA,” Noah said.
In addition, Wenbanyama is surrounded by elite leaders. Garnett, Haixem Olajuwon, Spurs legends Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobilli and David Robinson are all hoping to show him the ropes, and the Spurs pulled Chris Paul last season to provide on-court guidance.
“I have CP with him this year so I can tell you that I can see progress,” Noah added. “He’s so young. Give him a couple of years. This guy is going to run the league.”
At just 21, Wenbanyama is already a two-time block leader, and even if last year’s season was shortened, he is already beginning to expand his offensive game. By 2027 or 2028, he was able to become the best player the league has ever seen.