There are only a few NBA gamers who might be in comparison with LeBron James with out inciting a full-blown argument. However one title who might have a good case, a minimum of by way of the hype and build-up to his profession, is 2024 NBA Rookie of the 12 months Victor Wembanyama.
It appears former San Antonio Spurs star Tony Parker agrees with that sentiment, as he in contrast the 20-year-old phenom to James throughout a current interview with Yahoo Sports. Parker cited the expectations surrounding Wembanyama forward of his rookie season, and he praised the 7-foot-4 unicorn for being unfazed by all of the stress.
“There’s nothing I can inform him, he is prepared … He is not bothered by the stress or the expectations. He is a bit bit like LeBron (James),” Parker mentioned of Wembanyama.”
“The one one that may examine with a lot expectation earlier than you arrive is LeBron James. And Victor, the way in which he performed his rookie season with the Spurs, he was unbelievable. So I hope it interprets with loads of championships for the Spurs, and I hope it would translate with loads of medals for French basketball.”
Parker makes a good level. The stress surrounding Wembanyama earlier than he even touched an NBA flooring was at a degree unseen since James entered the NBA because the No. 1 total choose within the 2003 NBA Draft. And like James, Wembanyama lived as much as the hype nearly proper out of the gate.
The younger Spurs star not solely received the Rookie of the 12 months award but additionally made a legit case for NBA Defensive Participant of the 12 months honors. Rudy Gobert managed to carry off Wembanyama, however the Spurs massive man averaged 21.4 factors, 10.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists and a stellar 3.6 blocks per recreation as a rookie.
Wembanyama’s ceiling is unbelievably excessive, and whereas Parker in contrast his entry to the NBA to James’, the 20-year-old’s profession trajectory may result in further comparisons down the highway.