The arrival of The Chosen One in the NBA marked one of the most significant moments in league history. LeBron James broke into the NBA scene in the most dramatic fashion, as the most hyped prospect ever. In 2003, nobody would have believed that there would be another player as hyped as The Chosen One himself. However, then came the 2023 NBA Draft.
Since his draft, LeBron James has grown to become one of the most legendary players of this generation. The 38-year-old’s all-time scoring record stands testament to this claim. However, the 2023 NBA Draft witnessed something very similar to James’ draft in 2003, an entry of a generational prospect in the NBA. Now, will the “biggest prospect” since James break his remarkable scoring record? A former Cleveland Cavaliers star had his say.
LeBron James scoring record is unassailable, says former Cavalier
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Since his debut in 2003, LeBron James has totalled an invincible 38,652 points in his illustrious career. The Los Angeles Lakers forward ascended the scoring throne last season, overthrowing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar right in front of his eyes. However, can the most hyped draft prospect since James, Victor Wembanyama overthrow The King from his throne? “It will never happen” says James’ former Cavaliers teammate, Richard Jefferson.
Jefferon opined on the scoring record debate on his show “Road Trippin”. When asked if the San Antonio Spurs’ No.1 pick has a chance of overtaking James in the all-time scoring list, the 43-year-old had a clear answer.
“Victor Wembanyama would have to do 25 points a game from now until 2050” said Jefferson before breaking into chuckles. He added “He’s 18 but I’m saying, think about how far 2050 is…it’s been f***ing crazy…”
However, Jefferson also mentioned the role of injuries in this journey, saying “You can’t have, this is the thing, one injury….Kobe was the youngest to all of the milestones, then LeBron was the youngest…and then KD was the youngest on a lot of these milestones….But once KD started having those injuries, it just pushed that, you miss a year, two years on the course of injuries…that’s 3500 points we’re talking about. And when you’re talking about 30s….that means you gotta give it two more years on the backend to get those numbers back up.”
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Jefferson strongly felt Wembanyama has no shot at surpassing James’ remarkable record. However, given the 19-year-old Frenchman’s position on the Spurs roster, he has a tremendous opportunity to give it a go. But can Wembanyama achieve success in his attempt?
Wembanyama is poised to dethrone The King
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When Kareem Abdul-Jabbar set the scoring record back in his day, the NBA world believed it was unbreakable. However, LeBron James defied all odds to dethrone The Captain. Now, a draft prospect just as hyped as James, Wembanyama is in a position to repeat history.
Victor Wembanyama landed on the San Antonio Spurs roster who lacked an offensive leader. Although Keldon Johnson shouldered the team’s offense for the entire season in 2022-23, it was evident that he needed another player to share the load with. This is where Wembanyama comes in. Now, he is at a position to take on the offensive load of the team and unleash his extraordinary scoring skills.
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Standing 7’4 tall, the French phenom possesses offensive skills unlike any other at his size. This may also play a major role in his scoring prowess as his career progresses. Whether he overtakes LeBron James or not is a question for the future. But his potential to dethrone The King is arguably higher than any other player in the league currently.