Victor Wembanyama idolizes Kevin Durant & Giannis Antetokounmpo to become one of the versatile players in NBA: “I intend to be number 1 in the 2023 draft”
Victor Wembanyama has become the next big thing in the world of basketball. With his eyes set on the 2023 NBA draft, Wembanyama has blossomed on the court.
Standing at 7-foot-4 with a reported 8-foot wingspan, Wembanyama has become one of the most-hyped draft prospects in recent memory. The French-born big man has the tools to be a dominant two-way player at the NBA level. Wembanyama is a lethal shot-blocking presence. If that isn't enough, he's also become a dangerous weapon on the offensive side of the ball.
Wembanyama has been playing overseas for the Metropolitans 92. The 18-year-old big man is off to a stellar start this season, averaging 22.6 points, 8.4 rebounds and 3.0 blocks per game. Victor is also shooting 51.2%, including 31.6% from 3-point range.
The French Phenomenon told "L'Equipe" that he is determined to be the first pick in the draft.
“I intend to be No. 1 in the 2023 draft. I don’t expect more or less, because I know I’m working for it," Wembanyama said.
Due to his impressive combination of length and two-way ability, Wembanyama has been compared to some current NBA superstars. Those players have included Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kevin Durant.
"I try to steal some things from them, to apply them in games," Wembanyama said.
Despite the comparisons, Wembanyama said:
"I want to be myself, create my character. I would like to become unguardable one day – a player capable of adapting to all situations, versatile, on both ends of the floor. I would like to play basketball like chess – to predict every move of my opponents and have the right answer.”
Wembanyama: I steal some things from Giannis and Durant, my goal is to become unguardable eurohoops.net/en/nba-news/14…
Victor Wembanyama buzzing as potential top pick in 2023 NBA draft
Victor Wembanyama has taken the basketball world by storm. Before the start of international play, the 18-year-old was buzzing as a potential top pick in the NBA draft.
The Metropolitans 92 traveled to Las Vegas to take on the G League Ignite in a pair of exhibition games in October. It was one of the first opportunities for NBA scouts and executives to get an in-person look at the talented big man. Wembanyama didn't disappoint as he went on to put on a show for the decision-makers.
Victor Wembanyama notched his first @FIBAWC qualifying bucket for @FRABasketball today! #FIBAWC
https://t.co/xZArodw1uK
In those two games alone, Wembanyama averaged 36.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.5 blocks per game. He also shot an eye-opening 51.2%, including 50.0% from 3-point range.
Since then, Wembanyama has become a landslide favorite to be the first pick in the 2023 draft. Wembanyama has the potential to be a transformational piece for an NBA organization. As long as the talented French prospect can stay healthy, it looks as if the NBA will welcome a potential superstar.
Victor Wembanyama has become one of the most exciting prospects since LeBron James entered the league in 2003. If Victor can continue to play at this level, he will have NBA teams dreaming of adding him to their roster.