Media veteran Chris Broussard once stated about Victor Wembanyama, “If Wemby is Anthony Davis, Kevin Durant, or Hakeem, that’s a disappointment. I expect him to be one of the best players ever — to have a career like LeBron, Jordan, Duncan, Shaq, or Kareem”. It seems he may be on track to meet those lofty expectations! Wemby is already making waves in the NBA, captivating fans and analysts alike with his unique blend of skill and size. Recently, a former All-Star weighed in on Wembanyama’s status following GG Jackson II’s claim.

The Grizzlies forward Jackson, who entered the league with Wembanyama, expressed his admiration: “I was in sixth grade. I played for team USC Unleashed, a big AAU team that’s put together here in Columbia. The only closest thing I got to Wemby, until I got to play him and I will say, this is very biased, but to me he’s going to be the greatest player to ever play this game”.

When asked why he thinks so, Jackson gave a compelling reason. “He literally has everything. The only thing that can stop him is his self and how complacent he gets”. Jackson added: “From the looks of it, those overseas guys, they don’t really take things lightly”.

Former All-Star DeMarcus Cousins also weighed in on the conversation, indicating that Wemby is living up to the considerable hype surrounding him. “The scary part is the kid is still learning how to slay. That’s the scariest part about the team. He came in here when I was 28 and was one of the best defensive players in the league in a rookie season. It’s undeniable you know speaking on his talent. If he’s not a top 10 he’s is definitely a top 15 “.

This bold claim from a seasoned NBA veteran underscores the belief that Wembanyama is not just a flash in the pan; he’s a serious contender in the league. However, Cousins further added playfully, ” he’s one of those guys early on . You know I can’t wait to see how he’s gonna replace them”.

As Wembanyama continues to impress, the question arises: Can he join the ranks of the greats? With Cousins acknowledging his potential to break into the top 15 if not the top 10, the stakes are higher than ever. Wembanyama’s unique blend of skill and size positions him well, but the journey ahead will be critical. Will he maintain the drive and focus needed to cement his legacy in the league?

Can Victor Wembanyama join the ranks of the greats?

The numbers back up the praise. In his first season, 2023-24, Wemby averaged an impressive 21.4 points per game, ranking 30th in the league. He’s also pulling down 10.6 rebounds, placing him 8th, and dishing out 3.9 assists. His field goal percentage of 46.5% showcases his efficiency on the court, solidifying his status as a rising star. And winning the Rookie of the Year.

In the 2024 preseason against the Magic, he contributed 11 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists, proving he can impact the game even on an off-shooting night. As the Frenchman navigates the complexities of an NBA career, he must be prepared to face criticism and expectations. The pressure can be immense, but as Gregg Popovich once said, “He’s probably the most mature 20-year-old I’ve ever run into. He’s just … worldly. He understands priorities. All the hoopla around him doesn’t affect him. He just does his job, works hard.” 

With all eyes on him, Wembanyama has the potential to redefine what it means to be a superstar in the NBA. Will he emerge as one of the all-time greats? The anticipation is palpable, and if his trajectory continues upward, the answer could be yes!