Carmelo Anthony Pinpoints Victor Wembanyama and Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Difference: “Evolution of Durant”

Victor Wembanyama set the entire league on a frenzy when he was selected as the No.1 pick by the Spurs in the 2023 NBA Draft. Standing at 7’4″, Wemby was the most hyped rookie this season, and he hasn’t let all the expectations and pressure get to him. Along with his wide wingspan, speed, and agility, Wemby has the skills to dominate offensively and defensively.

There is no doubt that as he spends more time in the league, he will only get better. When we put that power in comparison with someone who is similarly dominant on the court like Giannis Antetokounmpo, former NBA star Carmelo Anthony shares his interesting thoughts.

Wemby is an evolution of Durant

In a recent episode of his show 7PM in Brooklyn, Melo points out that Wemby is not the evolution of a young Giannis, “What we seeing now with Wemby, it ain’t an evolution of him [Giannis]. It’s evolution of Durant, KD.” This is what sets Wemby and Giannis apart, and having the ‘KD mold’ starting out as a young player in the NBA is what makes Wemby great, as Melo puts it. “You talking about the mold of KD…..can handle, can shoot, a sniper, a killer. You get what I’m saying? That’s the mold.”

Melo adds that it won’t be fair to compare the two players because Giannis can’t do what Wemby can, “Wemby can’t do what Giannis can do right now so I don’t compare those two.” Giannis, on the other hand, has a different kind of mold, Melo says, a set of skills that have been assimilated through years of learning and emulating from the unicorns of the NBA.

Giannis’ ‘traditional four’ mold

For Giannis, he was inspired by the big players that came before him, and this allowed him to tap into a different level of greatness. He came back stronger, faster, and armed with the big four skills, Melo says. “That mold of being a four, a traditional four. You running, jumping, you athletic, you dunking, you transition. Now we haven’t seen that before.”

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While Wemby has his height and wingspan to his advantage, Giannis boasts a strong physical to match up against the rookie. They both carry a certain set of skills that they have acquired over time. Considering that this is Wemby’s first season, we can only imagine the damage he can do to opponents in the future, as he sharpens his skills. For now, he has his eyes fixed on the Rookie of the Year title.

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What are your thoughts on Melo’s breakdown of Giannis and Wemby? Do you agree that Wemby is an evolution of Durant? Share your thoughts!