One of the best factor about Victor Wembanyama has nothing to do together with his bodily talents. It’s not the truth that he’s 7 toes 3 or has one of many longest wingspans in NBA historical past both. It’s not the truth that he blocks virtually seven pictures an evening or that he may go down as the best defensive participant the NBA has ever seen. One of the best factor about Wemby isn’t even tangible; it’s actually all psychological. One of the best factor about Wemby is that he truly cares, and that displays in his play.
When Wemby was drafted No. 1 total final yr, everyone knew he was going to be a pressure due to his measurement. They knew he would problem for Defensive Participant of the 12 months yearly due to his skill to dam pictures. They knew he can be a terror on the offensive finish due to his measurement combined in together with his capturing skill. What we didn’t know was his Mamba mentality and the way severe he takes the sport, and it’s a far cry from many of the NBA’s subsequent era of stars.
He hates to lose, and in contrast to most of his friends, when he loses, he isn’t okay with it. One of the telling habits of Wemby occurs after most losses, so be sure to take note of the subsequent few San Antonio Spurs’ video games. Each time the Spurs lose, Wemby isn’t round to shake arms. If the Spurs lose, 9 occasions out of 10 you see him jet straight to the locker room with a imply scowl on his face.
He doesn’t stick round for pleasantries like 99 p.c of the league does postgame; he doesn’t care to shake arms because the loser, and he’s completely proper. What’s there to be jolly and smiling about after a loss? Wemby went straight to the locker room after dropping to the Lakers, even skipping out on shaking arms with LeBron, not like the remainder of his crew, who stayed again. The one time I’ve seen Wemby shake arms after a loss was in opposition to the Washington Wizards earlier this season. And are you aware why? He solely stayed to swap jerseys together with his outdated teammate again in France, Bilal Coulibaly, who was drafted by the Wizards final yr.
His Mamba mentality is at all times on full show in huge matchups, and that’s one other one in all Wemby’s finer traits, and this has been highlighted particularly over the previous couple of weeks. One of many NBA’s greatest points is gamers’ load administration, particularly in huge video games, however thank God that isn’t in Wemby’s basketball character. When the lights are the brightest, that’s when Wemby shines the brightest. Wemby loves the massive stage, and he doesn’t draw back from it in any respect.
Wembanyama’s Christmas carol
Take Wemby’s very first Christmas recreation. He knew he was the primary recreation of the day, and he made certain he was the discuss of the day. Taking part in within the legendary Madison Sq. Backyard, Wemby put up probably the greatest performances of his profession. Wembanyama erupted for 42 factors and 18 rebounds whereas making six three-pointers, turning into the primary participant in NBA historical past to place up this stat line on Christmas Day. He’s been even higher because the calendar turned to 2025 too.
Within the new yr, Wemby’s first two matchups of the yr can be in opposition to one of many NBA’s finest, if not the most effective, Nikola Jokic. Wemby confronted off in opposition to the reigning MVP in a back-to-back, and he as soon as once more confirmed up and confirmed out. On Jan. 3, within the first matchup in opposition to the Denver Nuggets, Wemby matched the MVP blow for blow, scoring 35 factors and 18 rebounds and stealing the win in opposition to a closely favored Nuggets squad. The very subsequent day, on Jan 4th, the Nuggets bought their revenge and received the sport, however Wemby nonetheless had a wonderful evening, ending with 20 factors and 23 rebounds and keen his crew to extra time. We simply don’t get this stage of ardour and depth from the remainder of immediately’s younger stars.
Wemby like MJ and Kobe
One of the best factor about Wembanyama just isn’t something bodily however slightly all the psychological instruments he possesses. He has what Kobe and Jordan had in them. He needs to placed on a present each evening, and when the most effective of the most effective come round, he needs to show he belongs with them. He additionally hates to lose, one thing this new era has no downside with, and that displays within the scores. Whenever you mix extraordinary bodily items with a mentality that almost all lack, that’s the way you turn out to be one of many biggest of all time. His mentality is one thing you’ll be able to’t train, but it’s one thing desperately wanted and missed within the NBA. His fellow stars have to be aware of how Wemby strikes, and they need to comply with go well with. Just a few extra gamers with Wemby’s mentality might probably save the scores and the league.