As Shocking Debut of Victor Wembanyama Triggers NBA Fans? Wrath, Celtics Legend Kevin Garnett Shines as His Saving Grace

Once in a generation, an athlete comes along for whom all superlatives seem modest. Whether you tout him as the “greatest prospect ever” or a “2K created demigod”, Victor Wembanyama has entered those conversations. Though his potential is tantalizing and somewhat clear to see, the hype has certainly piled up before the 19-year-old. While fans thrashed him for his performance in his Summer League debut, a former legend spoke up.

The?Big Ticket?stepped into the spotlight and talked about the esteemed organization Wemby has the opportunity to learn from.

Kevin Garnett gives Victor Wembanyama valuable advice

You know the hype has become too much when people criticize a player’s Summer League performance. If the pre-season opener was a fair representation of how players develop, Ben Simmons would be in MVP conversations. And here are a few names who would probably be mediocre: LeBron James, Michael Jordan, and Kobe Bryant, all of whom struggled mightily in the summer league. For Wembanyama, a “disappointing” Summer League performance (if such a thing exists) has somehow become a major talking point.

 

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However, as the 2004 NBA MVP pointed out, Victor does have an incredible cast of mentors. Whether it’s fellow Frenchman Tony Parker or legendary coach Greg Popovich, Wemby has mature leaders to turn to.

And Kevin Garnett used that to inspire the young 7-footer. He reminded the teenager of the incredible San Antonio Spurs lineage. At the top of that pyramid would be the greatest Power Forward of all time, Tim Duncan. Victor totaled 5 blocks in his SL debut against the Charlotte Hornets. Perhaps the Big Fundamental, who was also a prolific two-way big, can guide Wemby on his journey.

Read More: ?It?s Going to Be Some Kind of Struggle?: Despite 7?5 Victor Wembanyama?s Craze Taking Over NBA World, Draymond Green and Paul George Still Put Question Marks

Unfortunately, with a few years of subpar performances leading to his draft, San Antonio fans might not be as patient.

Fans went off against Wemby’s performance

In his rookie season, LeBron James was heralded as the “savior” of the Cleveland Cavaliers. While the Spurs already have a rich history, the last few years have been ugly to watch. Since Kawhi Leonard’s departure, the Spurs have been a lottery team. However, Wemby is expected to bring the change.

The hype reached unprecedented levels with the NBA’s former all-time leading scorer, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar joining the crowd, along with multi-platinum rapper J. Cole. The hype has become so immense that a 5 block, defensive masterclass was deemed a failure.

The precedence for unfair expectations on a rookie was set nearly 20 years ago. Wemby’s comparison when joining the NBA was a certain kid out of Akron, Ohio. Once heralded as the greatest prospect ever, until Wemby took the crown from him, King James faced the same sort of his expectations.

For Wemby, the road gets tougher from here. Thankfully, he has a world-class organization backing him. Will Wembanyama live up to the hype? Only time will tell. What did you think of Wemby’s Summer League debut? Let us know in the comments below.

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