Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama better than LeBron James as rookie

NBA

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Victor Wembanyama compares favorably to LeBron James at the same point in their respective careers.

That’s according to ESPN NBA reporter Brian Windhorst, perhaps the world’s foremost expert on the topic, whose coverage of James dates back to his high school days in Akron, Ohio. period.

Windhorst appeared on “Get Up” Wednesday morning and provided this analysis.

“Victor Vunbanyama: Shooting 51% in the preseason, averaging 3 blocks per game. I went back and looked up LeBron’s rookie year preseason numbers. I shot 35%. Throughout the preseason my rookie year. In the game, he hit two three-pointers. Victor scored two goals in one game,” Windhorst said.

“I know they’re very different players. His skill level is way above where LeBron would be at his age.”

The 19-year-old Wembanyama was selected by the Spurs with the first overall pick in the 2023 NBA draft. It can be said that people have high expectations for him.

Over the weekend, 74-year-old Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich scathingly dismissed his friend Steve Kerr’s comments about how the presence of Vembanyama has “reinvigorated” him.

“What brought me back to life?” Popovich asked.

“Am I in a mental hospital or curled up in my bedroom with depression or something?”

When the reporter who asked the question mentioned what Golden State Warriors coach Kerr said, Popovich laughed and said, “Steve is an asshole.”

Luka Doncic, whose Mavericks take on the Spurs in their season opener on Wednesday night, shared advice for Wembanyama.

“My advice is always to have fun playing 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 players to come into the NBA, if not the best.” Good (prospect). But he proved he can play. “I don’t think he should worry about anything. “