?League?s Really in Trouble?: Months Before Facing Victor Wembanyama, Kevin Durant Gave the 7ft NBA Rookie the Highest Order of Esteem

Fresh talents emerge in the ever-changing world of basketball to attract both spectators and fellow players. The 7-foot-4 wonder from France, Victor Wembanyama, has been making waves in the basketball world, and he has the whole NBA fraternity shouting his praises. The 18-year-old’s amazing skill set, especially for a player his height and age, has not only wowed fans but also piqued the interest of some of the league’s best stars.

One of those examples is the Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant. He was however so impressed by this young prodigy that in an interview he spoke very highly about him.

Kevin Durant praises the 7 foot 4 prodigy

Kevin Durant, a 13-time NBA All-Star and one of the game’s most versatile players, recently gave his opinions on the youngster. “That type of talent and skill just puts a smile on your face if you play basketball,” Durant exclaimed, evidently moved by Wembanyama’s talents. Kd admires Wembanyama for more than just his distinct skill set.

It’s the teenager’s humility and intelligence in dealing with the attention. Wembanyama’s statement jumped out for Durant: “I think I’d do myself a disservice if I compared myself to one or two players. I’m going take from everybody.”?Durant became a huge admirer of the budding talent after hearing this deep speech.

Wembanyama has been causing quite a stir in the basketball community with his outstanding achievements for the Metropolitans 92 club and the G League Ignite. The 18-year-old scored 36 points in back-to-back games, providing spectators with jaw-dropping moments in each quarter.

Durant, like many others, was looking forward to Wembanyama’s entrance into the NBA. “The league’s really in trouble when he comes in. I want to see how it plays out. Everybody has been excited about his arrival to the league, so we’ll see what happens,” Durant exclaimed.

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As the 2023-24 season began, he was the overwhelming favorite to win the Rookie of the Year title, which Durant had previously claimed in 2007-08. Basketball legends and current players have both praised the young French wonder. And his debut stats were also quite impressive.

Wembanyama’s debut in the NBA

Wembanyama’s early-season play for the Spurs has been nothing short of spectacular. In his first three games, he averaged 15.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks. He demonstrated his all-around game in a spectacular effort against the Houston Rockets, scoring 21 points, 12 rebounds, and a stat sheet packed with steals and blocked shots. Basketball legends and current players have both praised the young French wonder.

Paul Pierce compared him to a mix between Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kevin Durant, while Jerry West predicted he would become a historic player. LeBron James called him an “alien,” while Stephen Curry compared him to a “2K create-a-player”.

While Wembanyama is keen to establish his own basketball history, he admits the effect of superstars such as Durant and Antetokounmpo on his game. As the Spurs prepare to meet the Suns in upcoming games, the basketball world awaits Victor Wembanyama’s continuous ascension and impact in the NBA.

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