LeBron James is probably one of the most influential men in basketball. The L-Train’s influence has extended beyond court to the decision-making department of his team. Many believe that LeBron is the de-facto general manager of his teams, which has resulted in him being given the moniker of “LeGM.” Following James, several other stars like Kawhi Leonard and Giannis Antetokounmpo have been involved in the organization’s decision-making. And now it looks like rookie phenom Victor Wembanyama may follow suit.
After a phenomenal rookie season with the San Antonio Spurs, Victor Wembanyama sat down for an interview with the Ringer. Herein, Wemby expressed an interest in getting involved in the decision-making process. When quizzed on whether any NBA players have contacted him to team up for the future, Wemby had this to say, “Yeah, I’ve received some messages. Even from prospects. But I try to sustain my role. It’s a whole new world that I’m eager to discover. For sure, one day or the other, I’ll have to be involved in this, I guess, even though I’m staying in my role as a player.”
USA Today via Reuters
Considering his record-breaking rookie season, Victor Wembanyama would certainly possess a certain level of influence on the Spurs organization. The 20-year-old averaged 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists and league-high 3.6 blocks per game this season. This statline easily places him in the elite category. For, only 9 others have succeeded in recording more than 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 blocks per game in NBA history.
Moreover, he’s the first player in NBA history to achieve such numbers in under 30 minutes per game. Wembanyama’s rookie season has left many to wonder: if he’s performing this well as a rookie, how good can the future be?
What is Victor Wembanyama’s ceiling?
Even before his NBA debut, Wembanyama was considered the most promising draft prospect since LeBron James in 2003. The expectations were naturally at an all-time high. However, Victor stood to exceed all and more with his rookie season. Though shaky performances were recorded early in the campaign, the young talent gradually grew into his role as the cornerstone of the Spurs franchise.
But despite his efforts, the Spurs finished second to last in the Western Conference standings, with just 22 wins. However, a certain level of hope and optimism still surrounds the San Antonio Spurs organization courtesy of Victor Wembanyama. Several experts and analysts believed that Wemby would have an instant impact on the defensive end of the floor because of his 7’4” height. But no one expected him to become a Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) candidate in his rookie season.
According to bookmakers in Vegas, Victor Wembanyama currently has the second-best odds to win the DPOY. Furthermore, Wemby has also grown significantly on the offensive end of the floor. Although not an elite three level scorer, if Victor develops an efficient 3-Point shot then he would become a nightmare matchup for opposing defenders. Many believed that Wemby had the potential to become the greatest. And his remarkable rookie season has only reinforced those lofty expectations.
