Victor Wembanyama has Commissioner Adam Silver telling teams not to tank. Wembanyama is taking a fadeaway corner three-pointer. Wembanyama has a viral photo where he dwarfs 7’1″ Rudy Gobert. The NBA has never seen a player like this year’s number-one prospect. Wembanyama played in two exhibition matchups against the number two 2023 draft prospect, Scoot Henderson.
Recapping Wembanyama’s Last Two Games
Metropolitans 92 played the G-League Ignite on October 4th and 6th. In game one, Wembanyama and Metropolitans 92 fell to the Ignite 115-122. However, Metro won game two 112-106. Neither of the outcomes matters because the NBA got a good look at who Wembanyama is.
In game one, Wembanyama scored 37 points and four rebounds. His shooting ability and fluidity were on display for scouts as he shot 7/11 from three. Game two continued his case as the greatest prospect the NBA has ever seen. 36 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, and four blocks. While he was not letting it fly from three, his two three balls were a fadeaway from the corner and a 30-footer. Wembenyama is 7’4″ and that is what made these performances so special.
Victor Wembanyama makes it look easy with this absurd running pullup 3 falling out of bounds from the corner demonstrating his exceptional footwork and body control. We’ve never seen anything remotely close to this before from a player this size. pic.twitter.com/0pgRWuVSUj
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) October 6, 2022
Wembanyama Sweepstakes
Silver is practically asking teams to not tank for this player. Tanking has been very popular in the 2010’s as teams have purposely avoided winning to get a chance at top prospects. Wembanyama may force some teams to reconsider their pattern.
Obvious teams like the Utah Jazz, San Antonio Spurs, and Orlando Magic should attempt to go 0-82 for the top pick. Let’s take the Knicks for example. Last season, they finished below the play-in tournament seeding and their biggest move was Jalen Brunson. If they look to be a middle-of-the-pack team and fighting for a low ranking playoff seed, would they be better going for Wembanyama? If the Hawks finish as the eighth seed again, would they regret not going for Wembanyama? Indiana Pacers, Houston Rockets, and Detriot Pistons are teams with good young talent that have a chance to be competitive, but why do that with the greatest prospect of all time on the line?
Teams have a lot to think about and not a lot of time until the season opener. Tank for Victor or go lose in the first round to a top dog who doesn’t need him?
Final Thoughts
7’4″, 18 year-old, three level scorer and elite rim protector Victor Wembanyama is bringing something new to the league. Shot blocking ceiling of Gobert with scoring potential of Kevin Durant. The skinny frame is the only knock on his game, but if this kid stays healthy, we are looking an MVP for years to come.
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