Tony Parker does not shy away from comparing Victor Wembanyama to former rival's greatness: "He’s like LeBron"
After an impressive first season in the NBA, Victor Wembanyama is spending his summer representing his home country in the 2024 Olympics. As the Paris games rage on, one Hall of Famer compared the young big man to an all-time great.
Among the numerous current and former athletes taking in the Olympic action in person is longtime San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker. While there, he partook in an interview where he touched on a wide range of topics.
Parker and Victor Wembanyama have a lot of similar connections, both being from France and playing for the Spurs. The former All-Star had a lot of praise for the reigning Rookie of the Year. At one point in the interview, Parker even compared Wembanyama to LeBron James.
"There's nothing I can tell him, he's ready," Parker said. "He's not bothered by the pressure or expectations. He's a little bit like LeBron."
Wembanyama had high expectations to meet after being selected No. 1 overall in 2023, and he managed to live up to the hype. His skills on both ends of the floor have many fans and analysts excited to see what the future holds for him.
Along with winning ROY, Wembanyama also led the NBA in blocks in his first season. He finished his rookie campaign with averages of 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 3.6 blocks.
How has Victor Wembanyama performed in the 2024 Olympics
Heading into the Summer Games, Team USA garnered most of the hype due to their roster full of NBA superstars. However, Victor Wembanyama and France were viewed as one of the few teams with the talent to possibly pull off an upset.
Aside from Wembanyama, France has numerous NBA players on their roster. There are All-Star caliber talents like Rudy Gobert and stable veterans such as Nic Batum and Evan Fournier.
Through two Group Phase games, Victor Wembanyama has played well for France. In his Olympic debut, he posted 19 points, nine rebounds and three blocks in a win over Brazil. The Spurs big man followed that up recording a double-double (18 points, 11 rebounds) in an overtime thriller with Japan.
Wembanyama and France have a tough challenge ahead as they look to remain undefeated in the Olympics. They'll be back in action on Friday afternoon to take on Germany.
In his first Olympics, Wembanyama finds himself with a chance to win France a medal on their home soil.