3 reasons why Victor Wembanyama can be Olympics basketball MVP
Victor Wembanyama was considered a generational talent even before the San Antonio Spurs made him the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. He blew past those massive expectations in his first pro league outside of France. Wembanyama was the unanimous choice for the Rookie of the Year award last season.
France’s men’s basketball team is hoping “Wemby” can carry that success and even more in the 2024 Paris Olympics. The French gave the Americans a tough battle in Japan three years ago before settling for silver. With the 7-foot-4 center in the lineup, Les Bleus could get over the hump this time.
The French have the backing of an entire nation but to grab the gold, they need Victor Wembanyama to surpass expectations again. He isn't the betting favorite to win the MVP award but he might just earn the honor in front of an adoring crowd.
3 reasons why FIBA could name Victor Wembanyama the Olympic Summer Games MVP
#3 France faces a super strong field in the Olympics
If France hopes to have a podium finish, Victor Wembanyama has to be at his very best. Spurs “Wemby” might not even be enough to drag this team to contend for a medal. He has to take another step in the Olympics.
The reason for such an insane demand on the 20-year-old is the opposition. It isn’t just Team USA that is loaded. Canada, Serbia, Germany, Australia, Greece and Spain are stacked.
Les Bleus struggled against Brazil with Bruno Caboclo, Gui Santos, Cristiano Felicio, Leo Meindl and the old warrior Marcelinho Huertas leading the way. France will take on teams with more heralded names on the roster.
The French will only advance if Victor Wembanya plays well against the elite in basketball.
#2 “Wemby” carries the weight of a hopeful nation
The San Antonio Spurs star is making his Olympic debut but will already be the cornerstone of the French basketball team. France will disappoint its millions of fans if Wembanyama can’t carry the hopes of a nation. It’s a burden that perhaps only a some can relate to. Considering the pressure and the expectations, an impressive tournament by “Wemby” could earn him the MVP.
Les Bleus have never won an Olympic gold medal. The MVP award is likely in the bag if Wembanyama drags his team to a historic campaign.
#1 Victor Wembanyama could have an almost unmatched two-way impact
France has Rudy Gobert, the four-time and reigning NBA Defensive Player of the Year winner, anchoring the French defense. But Victor Wembanyama has shown to be more impactful than him. In the hard-fought 78-66 win over Brazil, the Le Chesnay native shone on the defensive end.
Wembanyama had a game-high three blocks and four steals, tied with Bruno Caboclo for most in the matchup. Gobert isn’t nearly as effective in the perimeter while “Wemby” keeps up with guards.
On offense, the French went to Victor Wembanyama when they needed a bucket. Even when he missed shots, Vincent Collet’s sets were more fluid and threatening when he had the ball. He is unguardable with his length, mobility and athleticism. The Brazilians were only hopeful on most occasions that he would miss.
No one in the Olympics could have a bigger two-way impact than him. “Wemby” will have more than a decent shot at winning the MVP in Paris.