The kid from Le Chesnay-Rocquencourt isn’t a kid anymore. Instead, he’s a towering 7’3″ force for the San Antonio Spurs. In fact, Victor Wembanyama—France’s 21-year-old sensation—has taken America by storm. The 2024 ROTY? Check. Plus, an Olympic silver medal? Done. Clearly, he’s a true wunderkind. But now, he’s back where it all began—home. Returning to his roots, without a doubt, feels pretty special.

Victor Wembanyama’s journey has come full circle. From playing for Nanterre 92 in a Paris suburb (2019-2021) to becoming the No. 1 NBA Draft pick for the San Antonio Spurs—it’s been a wild ride in. Wemby’s selection in 2023 was one of the most hyped draft picks since LeBron James in 2003. But, going back to his roots, to Le Chesnay, to Nanterre 92 in 4 years, the Spurs’ center just had one thing to say: “It’s a bit like two worlds colliding.”

Ahead of NBA Paris on Thursday and Saturday, the alien returned to his hometown to a court in his honor. Yes, the small French town now has a court dedicated to their home boy who is now nothing less than a superhero in the NBA. “It’s special, you don’t expect that in a career,” Victor Wembanyama expressed. “A bit my way of making people happy who will never have the opportunity to go to the United States. It’s very important to me. It’s a pride, but also a responsibility.”

Taking the NBA to Paris is Adam Silver’s simple way to enter into the European market. Well, he has his eyes set on making the league global and introducing more players from across the Atlantic. It’s the hoops business that could make Victor Wembanyama the face of the NBA on Europe’s soil. Thus taking the games to the City of Love, the 21YO is back on familiar turf, and he’s ready to make it count.

His San Antonio Spurs face the Pacers in Paris on January 23 and 25. Home crowd? Check. Big expectations? Double check. Wemby will be looking to turn Paris into his personal playground. Meanwhile, one of the NBA’s brightest stars and 6x champion Scottie Pippen has shared his verdict about the French star’s future in the league.

Chicago Bulls legend predicts the future for Victor Wembanyama

Chicago Bulls legend Scottie Pippen knows greatness when he sees it. The six-time NBA champ, who ruled the court with Michael Jordan, has his eyes on Victor Wembanyama. And he’s not holding back. Pippen believes the Spurs rookie has what it takes to break Wilt Chamberlain’s iconic 100-point game record. Bold? Maybe. But when a legend speaks, you listen.

Speaking on the PBD Podcast, Pippen Sr. stated: “I do think he’s gonna go down as one of the great ones. From a statistical standpoint, it’s just like I said when I saw LeBron come into the game. These guys are gonna dominate the game statistically because of how the rules have been changed.” However, when asked if there’s anyone who could surpass Chamberlain’s iconic single-game scoring feat. Without hesitation, Pippen pointed to Wembanyama as the most likely candidate: “If it could happen, it would be Wemby. His size, his range—he shortens up the court with his height and versatility.” 

Moreover, Scottie Pippen very firmly added: “No one can stop Wembanyama.” Thus warning the 30 other teams of the league, that beware, you have an alien watching you over. Pippen sees something special in Victor Wembanyama. And who can blame him? At 7’4″ with an 8-foot wingspan, Wemby is changing the game. He dribbles like a guard, shoots threes with confidence, and dominates the paint. Simply put—he’s a walking mismatch, and the NBA better take notice.

Wmby’s current average of 24.5ppg, 10.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists are a testament to the force he brings to the court. A true magician for the Spurs, the sophomore is making and breaking records like it’s his everyday basics. Surely an unstoppable phenom, Victor Wembanyama is now ready to the Pacers in his own country. And dare we say the known fact that it will be an interesting showdown, so watch out!