The NBA hasn’t quite seen anything like this before. While the league has frequently been dominated by its largest superstars, the modern era has seen the game inch further and further away from the basket and towards the flashy ballhandling and perimeter shooting of guards and wings. True big men are now required to either develop those skills or be relegated to a simple support role, one that asks little else besides running, dunking, and protecting the hole.
Who is Victor Wembenyama?
Every now and then, a “unicorn” comes along, a player who’s unusually skilled for his size. There have been a number of these rarities throughout the history of the league, many of them dominant with their combination of physical edge and finesse. Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Ralph Sampson, David Robinson, Dirk Nowitzki, Kristaps Porzingis, and many other unicorns have come and gone to pave the way for Victor Wembenyama.
The French center climbed his way to generational prospect status by absolutely excelling at every facet of the game: outside shooting, ballhandling, defense, and playmaking. Combining his all-encompassing dominance with his massive 7’3 frame made him the most coveted draft prize since LeBron James.
As highlights of a massive center blocking a shot with ease on one end and then pulling up for an off-the-dribble three-pointer on the fast break and other unprecedented feats continued to roll in, Wembenyama’s draft hype only grew more and more raucous. Even with all of the unicorns that came before him, it became quickly apparent that the game of basketball hasn’t seen anything exactly like Victor Wembenyama in its entire history.
The Frenchman appeared to have Ralph Sampson’s ridiculous measurements, David Robinson’s open-floor athleticism, Kristaps Porzingis’s perimeter skills, Dirk Nowitzki’s shooting touch, and Kareem Adbul-Jabbar’s defensive timing. Critics and pundits tried to slow down the hype by discrediting Wemby’s competition playing in the LNB Pro A in France. This doubt continued despite Wembenyama maintaining his production against Scoot Henderson and the rest of the G-League Ignite in their exhibition game.
Victor Wembenyama preseason performance
Now, though, with Wemby officially in the United States and playing against NBA competition in preseason, the doubters have been silenced. Going against fellow 2023 NBA draftees and established league veterans, he’s looked every bit as sensational as promised.
In four preseason games, Wembenyama averaged 19.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 2.8 blocks, and a steal while shooting 51 percent from the field and 32 percent from beyond the arc. Even more impressive than his counting stats was how he racked them up. He frequently filled up the highlight reel with plays that no other player in league history would have been able to replicate.
The most frightening part of all of this is that Wemby is just getting started. He’s still adjusting to the NBA’s athleticism, pace, and overall style of play. While he’s showcased his wide range of abilities, he’s yet to achieve the level of production and efficiency that he’s proven to be capable of.
Victor Wembenyama Rookie of the Year odds
Within just four preseason games, Wembenyama has seemingly silenced all of his doubters. At the time of writing, Vegas has stuck him as the best bet to win with +120 odds to win the NBA’s Rookie of the Year award. For comparison, Paolo Banchero led the rankings for the 2022-2023 rookies at +200 odds.
Anyone looking to get in on the ROTY race needs to cast their bet for Wemby now, as placing a bet on any other rookie this season is akin to lighting money on fire. The longer one waits to wager their money at their favorite online sportsbook on Victor Wembenyama, the less their payout will be in the end. It certainly appears that the only thing standing between him and the ROTY trophy is health, luck, and supernatural forces.
