Wemby Is The Real Deal.

    

     This week in the NBA marked the start of the preseason. With the beginning of the 2023-24 season about to be underway, there are many intriguing storylines and narratives across the league to be followed, with one of the most interesting being the beginning of 1st overall pick Victor Wembanyama's NBA career. With many analysts and fans alike calling him a "unicorn" and the next greatest generational talent, a lot of pressure has been placed on the 19 year old frenchman's shoulders.

    Although at times it seems as if Wemby is being set up for failure with how high the expectations that have been set for him are, so far in the two preseason games that he has appeared in, he has yet to disappoint. The 7'4 big man showed out in his first NBA appearance against the Oklahoma City Thunder and one of his biggest threats in this year's Rookie of The Year race, Chet Holmgren, putting up 20 points, five rebounds, and two steals on 62% from the field and 40% from three point range in just 20 minutes of playing time. Although the Thunder were able to walk away with a win and Chet also looked very impressive, putting up 21 points, nine rebounds, and 2 assists in just 16 minutes of action, ultimately it was Wemby who passed the eye test, making Chet look non-existent at times on defense, even with his 7'1 frame. However you stack these two game-changing big men up, it is clear that the competition and rivalry between them will exist seemingly throughout each of their careers.

    In his second NBA preseason appearance against the Miami Heat, Wemby racked up 23 points, four rebounds, four assists, and three blocks in just 23 minutes of action. In this preseason game, Wemby showed off the versatility that he brings to the game, making big man plays in the paint, blocking and dunking on Heat center, Thomas Bryant while also showing off his guard skills, bringing the ball up, hitting threes, and even hitting some step-backs off the dribble. 

    When asked about Wemby's performance against the Heat in the post-game press conference on Friday night coach Gregg Popovich said, "I called one play for him all night and I think he got over 20 [points]. He just did that because he's a good basketball player and understands how to play. So, we have to make sure we blend that with everything else we have."

    With the skillset that this young man has at his current frame of 7'4, the sky is seemingly the limit for what he can accomplish and how his modern style of play will affect the NBA landscape of now and the next 15 years.