Victor Wembanyama arrived in the NBA as a storm of hope. A year later, he’s lived up to the expectations. Yes! Sports Illustrated released the coveted 2024 power list, with Bron, and many other mega stars from across the globe. A surprise entrant – Wemby (a rookie!) As per the list, not only is he viewed 1.3 billion times on social media, but all thanks to him, NBA’s plan for global expansion has peaked.

In France, NBA league pass subscriptions have risen 26% by mid-season, all to see Wemby playing and representing the French talent in America. The 7’4″ French center is literally shooting and dribbling to stardom with veterans like LeBron and KD, nearing the end of their careers. Along with Anthony Edwards and Nikola Jokić, he’s posed to be the future face of NBA, globally.

With the added talent from Europe flooding in, like him, and Luka Doncic, the league’s international appeal is growing – which is probably yet another feather in Adam Silver’s plan. And it’s not just the rise in subscriptions. Wemby effect is so strong that his jersey quickly became a top-seller across Europe.

He’s here. He’s made an immediate impact since he entered the league. He’s leaving his peers struggling to grasp his unique skill set, especially for a rookie. He even gave tough competition at an international level to Bron, Curry, and others at the Paris Olympics. In his rookie season, the French center posted impressive averages of 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and a league-leading 3.6 blocks. After the All-Star break, his performance soared to another level, with averages of 23.5 points, 12 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 4.5 blocks, and 1.5 steals per game.

Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs are in the middle of a rebuild

Much like LeBron in Cleveland, Wembanyama is viewed as the cornerstone of the San Antonio Spurs’ future. The franchise is expected to build around him, capitalizing on his unique talents as they aim for a return to playoff contention.

With Wembanyama as the centerpiece, the Spurs’ front office faces pressure to build a competitive roster. Fans eagerly anticipate seeing him lead the team to playoff contention in his sophomore season, as the franchise looks to push for a Play-In spot.

Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs are in the middle of a rebuild

Remember how LeBron James spent his first stint in Cleveland? The young King entertained the basketball world every night. However, apart from a Finals appearance, James was lacking a ring under his name. Regardless, Wembanyama is the Spurs’ golden ticket. If anything, the franchise will look to build the roster around him as long as he’s a Spur, similar to how the Cavs structured the roster around LeBron James. The young Frenchman is just getting started.

This puts some pressure on San Antonio’s front office to build a considerable roster around Victor Wembanyama in the coming years. Besides, watching him compete in the playoffs will be fans’ delight. It will be interesting to see Wemby go off in his sophomore year in the league, as the 20-year-old looks to play alongside the veteran point guard, Chris Paul. Moreover, the Spurs are expecting to push themselves to the Play-In spots this upcoming season.

What are your thoughts on Victor Wembanyama’s global influence? Do you think he’ll be the face of the league in the future? Let us know in the comments.

Feel that you can do with another update from the sport of basketball? Then do check out this recent interview with the up-and-coming Georgia Lady Bulldogs star Asia Avinger.