Simply James

Victor Wembanyama, the number one pick of the 2023 NBA Draft, is coming into the league facing media hype only comparable to what Lebron James experienced in 2003, when he was drafted at number 1 by the Cleveland Cavaliers. Unlike James, Wembanyama (19) has been drafted into what has been labeled the ideal franchise for a young player to flourish, the San Antonio Spurs. 

The Spurs, coached by Greg Popovich (who just signed a five year contract extension), has a history of maximising player potential. Take Tony Parker for example. Wembanyama’s fellow Frenchman was drafted 28th in the 2001 draft, and is now a certified Hall of Famer with four championship rings. The Spurs also drafted Argentinian Manu Ginobili with the 57th pick of the second round in 1999, who went on to win four rings and go down in history as one of the best sixth men to play the game. 

Popovich also built a team around Tim Duncan, who like Wembanyama was the number one pick in 1999. Duncan went on to win five rings, and was an integral part of the Spurs dynasty that stretched from 1999 to 2014. Popovich’s ability to create a system that allowed Duncan to flourish is why the media believe Wembanyama will become an all time great under Pop’s guidance, despite the franchise going through a period of transition. 

Yet, there are still question marks over how Wembanyama’s game will translate on American soil. Standing at 7’35”, Wembanyama weighs only 95kg. To give context, Bradley Beal of the Phoenix Suns weighs the same, but is only almost a full foot shorter than Wemby at 6’4″. Kevin Durant, who officially stands at 6’9″ (7 feet in reality), weighs 109 kg. 

Yet, despite being a ‘big man’ per se, the Frenchman is not your typical powerhouse center. With a fluid jumpshot, he is a clinical jump shooter, and his silky handles make him a tough nut to crack from a defensive perspective. I’m sure NBA veteran centers will be licking their lips at the thought of ruffling up the skinny new phenom. Will he live up to expectations? Let’s wait and see, but being freakishly tall doesn’t guarantee you success in the league. Here’s how some notable 7+ footers have fared in the past: 

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who stands at 7’2″, is second in the all-time leading scoring list and won six NBA championships during his career. Shaquille O’Neal, also 7’2″ tall, is considered one of the most dominant centers in NBA history, winning four championships and earning numerous individual accolades.

Other notable successful players include Wilt Chamberlain (7’1″) with two championships and four regular season MVP’s. Hakeem Olajuwon (7’0″) won two championships with the Houston Rockets and Finals MVP in both editions. Dirk Nowitzki (7’0″), who has a similar style to Wembanyama, led his Dallas Mavericks to victory over superteam Miami Heat in 2011, and won Finals MVP. 

While it is subjective to define failure in the NBA, there have been players over 7 feet tall who did not meet the expectations placed upon them or failed to achieve the level of success anticipated. Here are a few examples:

Greg Oden (7’0″)was selected as the first overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft but struggled with multiple knee injuries throughout his career. He played only a limited number of games and failed to live up to the high expectations set for him.

Hasheem Thabeet (7’3″) was the second overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft but failed to make a significant impact in the league. He struggled with his offensive game and lacked the skills and basketball IQ to become a consistent contributor.

Darko Milicic (7’0″) was selected as the second overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft, famously chosen ahead of players like Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh, and Dwyane Wade. He failed to live up to his potential and struggled to find a consistent role throughout his NBA career.

So, Wemby’s height doesn’t guarantee him success, but with the media scrutiny he faces, we can only hope he stays healthy and lives up to his potential. Even if he does, the Spurs have a big job on their hands if they are to start competing for titles again.