Former Sonics star controversially argues Victor Wembanyama’s ceiling is Shawn Bradley
Old heads are already going after Victor Wembanyama even though he has not played an NBA game. Former Seattle SuperSonics lottery pick Olden Polynice reckons Wembanyama's ceiling is Shawn Bradley, who had the same built as the French prospect.
On The Odd Couples podcast on Fox Sports with Chris Broussard, Polynice said that Wembanyama's ceiling might only be Bradley. He's not even putting Wembanyama ahead of players likes Yao Ming, who had a much better career despite all the injuries he suffered.
"I've seen this movie before," Polynice said. "I've seen Chet Holmgren, I've seen Bol Bol, I've seen Ralph Sampson. I've seen these guys that, 'Oh my God, they're over seven feet and can handle the ball like a guard.' I've seen this already. ... He hopes to be better than Shawn Bradley in my opinion."
While Olden Polynice has a point that Victor Wembanyama is similar to Chet Holmgren, Bol Bol and Ralph Sampson, he's probably far off with the Shawn Bradley comparison. They might be of similar height, but Wembanyama is way more skilled than the 14-year NBA veteran.
Scouts are mesmerized by Wembanyama's combination of skills, size and ability. He could have the same problems with injuries, but advancements in medical technology will help him prevent or reduce the stress he puts on his lanky frame.
Polynice was also a big man, a former eighth overall by the Seattle SuperSonics in 1987 out of Virginia. He lasted 15 years in the league, averaging 7.8 points and 6.7 rebounds as a serviceable backup center.
Also Read: "This kid right here" - Kobe Bryant was once introduced to Lionel Messi by Ronaldinho, who claimed the Argentine would be the greatest
Tim Hardaway not buying Victor Wembanyama hype
Another old head who's not buying the Victor Wembanyama hype train is Tim Hardaway. The Hall of Fame point guard appeared on The Carlton Show on FS1 and said that Bol Bol is more ready to play in the NBA than Wembanyama.
"I think he is better than Victor," Hardaway said. "Bol Bol has better physical talent and ready to play in the NBA right now than Victor is."
Bol Bol > Victor Wembanyama? 🤔
“Bol Bol has better physical talent in the NBA than Victor Wembanyama” — @HardawaySr pic.twitter.com/BlilM9gDwJ
Bol is indeed more ready to play in the NBA than Wembanyama, as he's entering his fifth year in the league. Bol is also on his third team in five seasons, and there's a reason why he only has 123 appearances.
There are also a lot of reasons why Wembanyama was drafted No. 1 overall by the San Antonio Spurs. Bol, who also had a lot of hype in 2019, fell to the second round due to concerns about his foot. There are also reports of Bol having maturity issues heading into the draft.
Also Read: "I don't even have NBA check yet" - Channing Frye reveals blowing up $36,000 after Richard Jefferson tricked him into 'rookie hazing'