Even before he entered the NBA, Victor Wembanyama was generating high levels of interest.
7ft 4″ Victor Wembanyama became the number one pick in the NBA Draft in 2023, and has become a ray of hope for the San Antonio Spurs.
Wembanyama was predicted to have a big sophomore season, and he has lifted his own production, moving from 21.4 ppg to 24.3.
He has done it while improving his team, one that won only 22 games in total last season, they have won 23 this season heading into the All-Star break.
Through it all, Wembanyama has earned the praise of his peers, with New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson paying tribute to him.
Speaking at an All-Star weekend press conference, Knicks star Jalen Brunson discussed Victor Wembanyama, explaining what he admires most about him.
While there is naturally focus on Wembanyama’s remarkable physical attributes, Brunson cites his determination and will to win as his most impressive trait
Brunson explained: “I think it’s great for basketball. I think it’s great for a person like him to be so competitive and so focused and so driven in all aspects of his game, no matter where he is.
“It could be preseason, it could be in All-Star, he’s going to have that same mindset. That’s what we’ve seen. And obviously the things he does on the court are just abnormal for someone his height.
“But he’s ridiculous, and to see how he works, his preparation, I think I admire that most. I admire hard workers and people who put everything into being the best player they can be.”
Wembanyama and Chris Paul were jointly disqualified from the NBA Skills Challenge on Saturday night, a controversial decision with officials claiming they were exploiting a loophole in the competition.
Victor Wembanyama has made clear his mindset ahead of the All-Star weekend was exactly as Jalen Brunson describes.
He told reporters: “I’m not here to make friends. I know not everybody thinks like that, but what’s for sure is I’m trying to, I have some questions for some of the greats, the OGs, but I’m definitely not here to make friends.
“I’m always going to have fun if we win and if we perform and if we play the right way. I’m trying to approach this game with much importance.”
Wemby also had time to discuss the Luka Doncic trade, taking the same opinion as Nikola Jokic that both teams can benefit from the shock transaction.
Wembanyama has also been given a helping hand on the Spurs, with the team acquiring De’Aaron Fox at the trade deadline.
