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NY Post
New York Post
25 Oct 2023


NextImg:Victor Wembanyama is ‘vastly advanced’ when compared to a rookie LeBron James

Victor Wembanyama compares very favorably to LeBron James at the same juncture of their respective careers.

That’s according to perhaps the world’s foremost expert on the topic, ESPN NBA reporter Brian Windhorst, who has covered James extensively dating back to his high school years in Akron, Ohio.

Windhorst appeared on “Get Up” Wednesday morning, where he provided that analysis.

“Victor Wembanyama: 51 percent shooting, three blocks a game in the preseason. I went back and looked up LeBron’s rookie year preseason numbers. He shot 35 percent. He made two three-pointers the entire preseason his rookie year. Victor makes two a game,” Windhorst said.

“I know they’re very different players. His skill level is vastly advanced to where LeBron’s was at the same age.”

Wembanyama, 19, was selected first overall by the Spurs in the 2023 NBA Draft, and it’s fair to say that expectations for him are through the roof.

Victor Wembanyama makes his NBA regular-season debut Wednesday night.
Getty Images

Over the weekend, 74-year-old Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich caustically swatted a remark from his friend Steve Kerr about how Wembanyama’s presence has “rejuvenated” him.

“What was I being rejuvenated from?” Popovich asked.

“Was I in a mental institution or was I depressed and curled up in my bedroom or something?”

LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives against the Toronto Raptors during the game on April 20, 2005 at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Canada.

LeBron James made his NBA debut with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003.
NBAE via Getty Images

After the reporter who asked the question said that Kerr, the Golden State Warriors head coach, had made the comment, Popovich laughed, “Steve’s an a–hole.”

Luka Doncic, whose Mavericks face the Spurs in their mutual season opener on Wednesday night, shared tips for Wembanyama.

“My advice is always to have fun with the game,” Doncic said, according to Sports Illustrated. “Obviously, you’re going to have a lot of pressure. He’s probably one of the best, if not the best [prospects] to come into the NBA. But he showed he can play. I don’t think he should be worried about anything.”