“Wish Him a Tim Duncan-Like Career”: 4X NBA Champion is Preparing ‘Phenomenon’ Victor Wembanyama For the NBA
Not only is Victor Wembanyama the most highly anticipated talent in the 2023 draft, but he may also be the most promising prospect since LeBron James made his NBA debut over two decades ago. And in his debut game in the US, he didn’t let them down, scoring 37 points, including seven three-pointers from 11 tries, and smashing five blocks. His skill led many to assume that some clubs are already debating whether to go into the draft tanking in order to have a chance to choose him with the first overall choice.
Tony Parker, a four-time NBA champion with the San Antonio Spurs, evaluated the “extraterrestrial” Victor Wembanyama’s career chances and gave aspiring athletes advice on whether to enter the NBA.
ALSO READ: Former NBA Star Nick Young Shows His Support For Lakers Russell Westbrook: “Russ Can’t Be Blamed”
Tony Parker is mentoring Victor Wembanyama for the NBA
Prior to joining the LNB Pro A team Metropolitans 92, Tony Parker served as Wembanyama’s president while playing for ASVEL Villeurbanne. Parker attributes Maxime Aubin with providing “important counsel” to the 18-year-old center.
“I prefer to keep that advice between me and him. Wembanyama is a phenomenon who has everything to succeed, but he missed half of last season with us because of injuries,” Parker told the French newspaper L’Equipe.
“The most important thing for Wembanyama is that he stays healthy. If he does, he’ll be the no.1 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft and change the franchise he goes to. I wish him a Tim Duncan-like career.”
Wembanyama has played in five games for Metropolitans 92 in the LNB Pro A this season, averaging 18.6 points and 8 rebounds in 29 minutes. Wembanyama, who is only 18 years old, is only outranked by David Holston as the second-highest-rated player in the LNB Pro A.
Victor Wembanyama helped Metropolitans 92 to a fourth straight win in France, over second place Blois, posting 17 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, 5 blocks in yet another dominant two-way performance showing why he'll be the No. 1 pick in the draft this June. pic.twitter.com/0Ru53E1bM3
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) October 21, 2022
The FIBA Under-19 Basketball World Cup from the previous year provided a preview of how Victor Wembanyama may perform against the NBA competition. As he guided France to the championship game, he was nominated for the tournament team.
7’3” Victor Wembanyama was NOTHING TO MESS WITH at the FIBA World Cup 😤
@vicw_32 @FIBA #FibaU19 pic.twitter.com/vylekCrPHl
— Overtime (@overtime) July 13, 2021
They came up against a team from the United States and were defeated 83-81. It wasn’t due to Wembanyama’s lack of effort, though. He scored 22 points, grabbed 8 rebounds, and made 8 blocks.
More NBA news:
