ESPN’s Brian Windhorst compared the skills of Victor Wembunyama and LeBron James early in their careers, going so far as to say the San Antonio Spurs rookie is “more advanced” at this stage.
Ahead of tonight’s opener between Wembunama and the Spurs, Windhorst said on ESPN’s “Get Up” that the 19-year-old has a more sophisticated skill set than the Los Angeles Lakers forward. He had it when he was young.
“I know they’re very different players, but their skill level is much higher than what LeBron (James) would have been at his age,” Windhorst said.
“(Victor Wembanyama’s) skill level is way above where LeBron would be at his age.”
👀 @WindhorstESPN pic.twitter.com/bf3vX2wXt9
– Get Up (@GetUpESPN) October 25, 2023
While Spurs fans may be happy to hear Windhorst’s comments, others may find him exaggerating as Windhorst has yet to play a regular season game. Additionally, James is considered by some to be one of the two greatest players in history, following Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan.
Part of Windhorst’s claim was to compare their preseason numbers to back up his claims about conversations between Wembanya and James.
“Let me tell you about Wembunyama, he shot 51 percent in the preseason and averaged three blocks per game,” Wembunyama said. “I went back and looked up the preseason numbers from LeBron’s rookie year, and he shot 35 percent from the field, and he hit two three-pointers in the entire preseason of his rookie year. “Victor (Wembanyama) ) scored two goals in one game. “
There’s no doubt that Wembanyama has excelled in the preseason, but with his size and skill level, it’s hard not to see the rookie becoming another great player for the Spurs. If Bunyama wants to vindicate Windhorst in the Spurs’ season opener against the Dallas Mavericks at 9:30 p.m. ET, it all starts tonight.