Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama arrived in the United States the subject of a considerable amount of hype—unquestionably the most of any international prospect ever, and maybe the most of any prospect since LeBron James.
In a small sample size of preseason action, the French giant has shown tentative signs of meeting the moment. Case in point: San Antonio's nationally televised exhibition against the Heat Friday evening.
Wembanyama dazzled in leading the Spurs’ young roster, exploding for 23 points, four rebounds and four assists in San Antonio’s 120–104 victory.
Meanwhile, he attracted breathless praise from NBA fans already speculating about his success this year and beyond.
Yea if Wemby doesn’t win multiple MVPs I’ll be disappointed
— matt (@sponhourm) October 14, 2023
Wembanyama's trio of blocks also made fans salivate.
Every Wemby defensive rotation pic.twitter.com/DkPhNDwb21
— PD Web (@abovethebreak3) October 14, 2023
This is Bam’s last chance to win DPOY because the media gonna hand Wemby like 7 of them https://t.co/cqUZMQHUIC
— Austin (@ChefTrillie) October 14, 2023
Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo was thrown out as a reference point.
If Wemby ever hit the Giannis weight gain program it’s a wrap.
— “Sha-Vaughn”B.| 🌖🪬 (@SiobhanBeslow) October 14, 2023
Some simply used screenshots to illustrate the uniqueness of his game.
Wemby took off from here to try to block a 3. pic.twitter.com/PmqoXxdDcU
— Michael Gallagher (@MikeSGallagher) October 14, 2023
A few postulated that Wembanyama already ranks among the game's elite.
Would you trip if I said Wemby is already a top-20 player?
— Brett Usher (@UsherNBA) October 14, 2023
Observers marveled at his movement and court vision.
Wemby was at the three-point line when this was tossed. HE WENT FROM THE THREE-POINT LINE AND STILL CAUGHT THE PASS IN THE AIR FOR THE ALLEY. THIS IS INSANE. https://t.co/EJWiTlKEqM
— Ty Jäger (@TheTyJager) October 14, 2023
Preseason or no preseason, it seemed clear to all that the Spurs had found an incandescent talent.
Young core depth overrated. Wemby himself is better than what a lot of teams collectively have. https://t.co/rpF6oWvaFU
— Pranav Sriraman (@PranavSriraman) October 14, 2023
