Victor Wembanyama reveals Magic Johnson as his inspiration behind choosing No.32 for his French National team jersey
Victor Wembanyama has been the talk of the basketball world. The 18-year-old big man is expected to be the first overall selection in the 2023 NBA draft.
Wembanyama has become a global phenom. His versatility on the basketball court has NBA franchises drooling at the idea of winning the draft lottery. Originally born in France, Wembanyama has become the cream of the crop when it comes to international prospects.
The talented big man has been playing for Metropolitans 92 during the 2022-23 season. But Wembanyama doesn't just have his eyes on competing at the NBA level. He's also taken strides to be a part of the French national team.
Wembanyama has been wearing the No. 1 while playing with the Metropolitans 92 this season. When suiting up for the French national team, Victor decided on another jersey number. In an article by "Basketnews," Wembanyama revealed that choosing No. 32 was due to LA Lakers legend Magic Johnson.
"There are several of them (reasons)," Wembanyama said. "Among these is a reference to Magic Johnson, who also wore it. With Metropolitans 92, I wear No. 1 to be No. 1, because that's my mentality."
While Magic Johnson is 6-foot-9 and not 7-4 like Wembanyama, the Hall of Famer had versatility and height, like the Frenchman.
Johnson could be the floor general of the Showtime Lakers, taking them to five NBA championships and leading the league in assists four times. And he could slot in and play center, as he did in Game 6 of the 1980 NBA Finals. He took the place of league MVP and NBA icon Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to close out the series against the Philadelphia 76ers, becoming the Finals MVP in the process.
It's a public secret that at least several NBA teams will be tanking for a chance to draft Victor Wembanyama next year.
The French prospect addressed tanking for him and talked about how he prepares for his career in the NBA 🤔
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Victor Wembanyama has eyes set on 2023 NBA draft
Victor Wembanyama has the tools to be a generational type of prospect for the NBA level. With the two-way versatility to be a superstar talent, the sky is the limit for the athletic marvel.
Wembanyama has the shot-blocking ability and defensive awareness to be an anchor in the NBA. He's mobile enough to hold his ground against smaller guards, while also being able to battle with bigs in the post. What's most fascinating is his mobility and offensive upside.
Victor Wembanyama getting BUSY with this step back 3-ball 😎
https://t.co/4yNuWXq6R4
While most players his size would be focused on posting up near the basket, Victor has the versatility to stretch the floor. He's a dangerous outside threat who can hurt defenses from well beyond 3-point range. With the mobility of a guard and the ability to be a dynamic transition threat, Wembanyama could be a problem once he enters the NBA.
This season, Wembanyama is averaging 22.9 points, 9.3 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 3.0 blocks per game. He is shooting 48.8%, including 29.6% from 3-point range.