The 2023 NBA Draft experienced something very unusual. After 20 years, the world witnessed the emergence of another player deemed to be a generational talent. This incident happened for the first time in 2003 when King LeBron James entered the league. James generated unprecedented hype, taking the world by storm, before even setting foot on an NBA court. However, the pressure seemed to be just as much.

LeBron James was touted as The Chosen One before entering the league. The fans and analysts set all-time high standards for The Kid From Akron. Already compared to the legendary Michael Jordan, James did not get a moment to catch his breath since his draft. Despite that, The King delivered unbelievably. He defied all odds to emerge as one of the greatest basketball players of all-time. However, not everyone is LeBron James. Given the immense hype, can the No.1 pick in the NBA Draft deliver? A 4-time champion recently expressed his concern for the same.

4-time champion compares 7’5 French giant to LeBron James

LeBron James was everywhere before even entering the NBA. Magazines, news articles, and even documentaries featured him. He also famously had his high school games telecasted on national television. Despite this prodigious hype, James never let the fans down. He not only met but exceeded expectations, dominating the league for over 20 years. However, can this be the case with the 7’5 French phenom, Victor Wembanyama? One of his franchise’s cornerstones and 4-time champion, Tony Parker, recently expressed his concern.

READ MORE: Despite Getting Hyped More than LeBron James, 5x NBA All-Star Remains Skeptical About 7’4 Victor Wembanyama

“I’m of course a bit worried because the expectations are unrealistic, they’re crazy. The only one I can compare him to in terms of expectation is LeBron” he said, drawing comparisons to the all-time leading scorer in the NBA.

He further added, “And that’s crazy because you’re coming into a franchise where there’s a lot of history with a lot of successes and titles. And I know how hard it is to win a title. I know he’s going to be fine, and he’s on the perfect team“.

Parker also mentioned his ex-coach, Gregg Popovich. He said, “Pop and the Spurs are going to protect him from all of this, but yeah, he’s going to be under a lot of pressure, that’s for sure.”

Parker expressed his concern for the 7’5 No.1 draft pick. Although Wembanyama joined Parker’s former franchise, his future in the league is still a major cause for concern. However, how will Wembanyama’s situation help him overcome these concerns?

Wembanyama landed in the right situation

Victor Wembanyama set off an unbelievable tanking race to land the rights to pick him in the 2023 NBA Draft. However, the San Antonio Spurs eventually earned the coveted draft rights. However, this could not have gone better for the French phenom.

The 7’5 Frenchman has often been hailed as a generational talent. His skill set is unlike anything ever seen in a player his size. Fortunately, he landed in a team with a history of harnessing these talents. From David Robinson to Tim Duncan, the Spurs have never gone wrong with their No.1 picks. Similarly, after landing the most hyped draft prospect since LeBron James, the expectations are sky-high.

Gregg Popovich, the coach that made superstars out of Robinson and Duncan, is still with the franchise. After leading the Spurs to a dynasty status, Popovich is tasked with paving the way for the 19-year-old Wembanyama. However, the legendary coach knows more than a thing or two about how this can be done.

All things considered, Wembanyama may have immense pressure to deliver; but his situation puts him in the right place to harness his full potential.

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