"Not sure they deserve it" - Victor Wembanyama says admiration for NBA idols diminished after noticing lethargy
San Antonio Spurs rising star center Victor Wembanyama lived up to the hype and then some during his historic rookie season. Nevertheless, according to the 2023 No. 1 draft pick, he still encountered surprises, including his idols' varying work ethics.
Wembanyama faced immense expectations as a rookie, with many proclaiming him the best prospect since superstar forward LeBron James in 2003. However, the 7-foot-4 big man delivered, finishing second in Defensive Player of the Year voting and securing an All-Defensive first team nod.
Meanwhile, Wembanyama ran away with the Rookie of the Year award, becoming the first unanimous winner since star center Karl-Anthony Towns in 2016.
The French phenom seemingly needed little time to adjust to the NBA. Nevertheless, in a Sports Illustrated interview released Tuesday, he noted that he was caught off guard by some of the league's big-name players' questionable dedication. He added that the experience tarnished his perception of some he used to idolize.
"Both in a good and bad way, it's how truly the best of the game are," Wembanyama said. "How, in a good way, some of them are really impressive and inspiring in the way they approach the game every night. But others that I used to like, and now I'm just like, 'Nah, I'm not sure that they deserve it.' Like, they don't seem like they put as much work [in] as I thought."
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Wembanyama didn't call out any players directly. Regardless, the big man seemingly outworking established stars as a rookie should bode well for his chances of taking another step in Year 2.
Watch: Victor Wembanyama visibly frustrated after teammate overlooks wide-open lob opportunity
Victor Wembanyama names two NBA stars he still admires entering his sophomore season
While Victor Wembanyama was underwhelmed by many of the NBA's preeminent stars last season, he still looks up to a few.
According to Wembanyama, Phoenix Suns superstar forward Kevin Durant remains one of his biggest role models entering his sophomore season. He added that he still respects his French national team co-star, Minnesota Timberwolves star center Rudy Gobert, as well.
"Oh, yeah, there are active players that I admire," Wembanyama said. "... I'm talking, like, KD. Of course, I got to know Rudy Gobert even more with the national team. I know their work ethics. I know how they view the game, and it's really inspiring."
However, based on Wembanyama's skill set, work ethic and projected trajectory, he could soon surpass both his idols.
Watch: Chris Paul's slick lob to Victor Wembanyama results in vicious dunk from Spurs superstar