What does it take to be a generational talent? Anticipations, judgments, and habits that often associate with the next big thing before even hitting the stage certainly play their part. In the NBA, Michael Jordan and LeBron James are two names that jump up immediately. Many had already prophecized their legacy before they even graced the glorious gates of the court.
Similar expectations are placed upon Victor Wembanyama, the French sensation who is on his way to the league. Naturally, brands would want an early mover advantage. It seems Wembanyama is following in the footsteps of Jordan and James.
Victor Wembanyama and the fortunes of the NBA
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Michael Jordan’s deal with Nike and the subsequent emergence of the Jordan brand is basketball mythology. To this day, nobody has rivaled the sales of his shoes, attaining cult status. Like Jordan, LeBron James signed an astonishing $87 million dollar deal with Nike when he was just an 18-year-old. Following in their footsteps, Wembanyama is reported to sign an endorsement deal with the billion-dollar brand for a notoriously large amount.
CAN CONFIRM: #1 pick Victor Wembanyama is already officially signed to Nike.
“Wemby” first signed with Nike during his pro career in France and the multi-year footwear & apparel endorsement deal will carry over into his early NBA career. pic.twitter.com/0lc8eRkFWN
— Nick DePaula (@NickDePaula) June 19, 2023
In fact, he is likely to overtake the eye-popping rookie numbers of James’ Nike deal. Reports suggest Wembanyama’s shoe deal with Nike can likely breach the $100 million mark. This means that the brand is probably expecting him to be their face after LeBron retires. The Wemby- Nike deal is in effect ever since he took his talents to the French basketball league LNB Pro A.
The shoe deal with the $174.58 billion-worth company highlights how much he is in demand by shoe brands. He’ll sign a multi-million-worth rookie deal so the money will flow like rivers of gold in the heavens. In the wake of such dazzling figures, if the Alien becomes even close to what’s predicted, he can end up signing the most expensive NBA contract in history. At this rate, he can easily become a billionaire in his 20s.
Read More: 3 NBA Legends Set to Make Massive Return Only for 7’4 Freak Victor Wembanyama
Why the hype?
The NBA draft is only a few hours away and the San Antonio Spurs won’t have to think twice before picking the basketball phenom at number one. The NBA world has never seen someone close to seven-foot-four-inch dribbling, shooting, and making plays like this highly regarded player. He can run the floor like a Guard and has also developed post skills already. He has earned the nickname The Alien because of his never-seen-before game style.
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The crafty big can break the ceiling of what’s expected from a big man and he can become a unique player, the likes of whom we’ve never seen. Can we compare him to Wilt Chamberlain, who was transcendental during his own era? At any rate, his net worth is already soaring at an unprecedented rate. Do you think he will live up to the mountainous presumptions? Do share in the comments below.
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