After in depth analysis via osmosis, and two preseason video games, I’m able to claim Victor Wembanyama the following Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
This isn’t a one-to-one comparability as a result of no participant has ever come with regards to duplicating Kareem’s skyhook, however in case you blur the opposite main points sufficient, the fundamentals hang up.
Each are 7-foot-a-million, generational large males who have been past coveted entering the draft and mission to be no longer handiest the most efficient participant within the league, however possibly its main scorer as neatly. Clearly, Abdul-Jabbar did that seamlessly taking into consideration how neatly ready avid gamers of his technology have been for the following stage.
He went 88-2 at UCLA, gained Participant of the Yr two times, and led the Bruins to three-straight nationwide titles. Wembanyama is nineteen and performed on a French workforce in particular adapted to increase him for the NBA first, and win 2nd. There’s no method Giant Vic steps at the court docket and right away will get 28, 14, and four.
On the identical time, Wembanyama has 43 issues in 42 mins of preseason motion on 18-of-28 from the sphere (64 p.c!). Whilst that’s throughout two video games, and he’ll must up his rebounding charge to compare rookie Kareem, the talent set is as sensational as marketed. My recommendation to Wemby could be to increase no less than a few submit strikes to keep away from starting up the offense from 30 toes out, and save the miles on the ones knees.
Kareem lasted 20 seasons as a result of he was once lightyears forward of his friends so far as frame preservation, famously training yoga, and he didn’t must jam 7-foot facilities underneath the ring to attain. Wembanyama doesn’t have to do this both, but his manner is certainly extra hard work extensive than the skyhook.
That first level additionally lends me to some other similarity the 2 avid gamers percentage, no less than in my thoughts. At a tender age, Abdul-Jabbar was once considerate and smart past his years — despite the fact that media and lovers on the time didn’t are aware of it, or truly Kareem. Say what you’re going to about this present iteration of Abdul-Jabbar, there’s no denying he places concept into what he says and writes.
Fortunately, there’s much more get admission to and no less than an try at empathy 50-plus years later. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst did some siddling as much as Victor (as handiest he can do) sooner than the 2023 NBA Draft, and reported that Wembanyama is also cerebral for a youngster. Like Alcindor sooner than him, a few of that adulthood was once most likely induced via the San Antonio large guy’s lack of ability to cover in public since he was once 12.
Take into consideration the entire facilities who’ve long gone No. 1 general since Abdul-Jabbar in 1969, and inform me who’s even in his universe. Possibly Invoice Walton on account of his Bruin profession, however Invoice was once extra of an in-shape Nikola Jokic (with out the jumpshot — appreciate to the league’s present pudgy overlord).
There were different defensive juggernauts evidently. It’s essential even argue avid gamers corresponding to Ralph Sampson or Patrick Ewing have been as devastating offensively, too. However no person would say they have been additional alongside than Kareem in that class, and that is going for Wembanyama as neatly.
That stated, the benefit with which the Frenchman rankings and the litany of equipment at his disposal makes you surprise: In 2038 wouldn’t it be extraordinary if Wemby was once nonetheless jogging up and down the ground, flippantly, causally destroying defenses?
Nobody ever compares someone to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, on account of the skyhook and his forte, but in addition because of the reckless, irresponsible and moronic nature of juxtaposing some other hooper — who has but to play a 2nd within the Affiliation — subsequent to a 19-time All-Megastar that held the NBA profession scoring mark till closing 12 months, gained six NBA titles and 6 league MVPs.
So, sure, I’m one such moron, and completely should be lampooned and referred to as silly. However to cite some other nice philosphiser, “Silly like a fox.”
