“No Limits” – Victor Wembanyama Left Stunned With Surprise Gesture From 7ft Lakers Legend and Fellow ROTY

Victor Wembanyama’s Rookie of the Year celebration by the Fanatics made quite a huge impact on social media. The NBA has endorsed the San Antonio Spurs rookie ever since he declared for the league. After taking all the pressure, hype, and expectations, Wembanyama delivered his best and the Fanatic decided to give him a unique tribute, by roping in all the former ROTYs. Shaquille O’Neal, Allen Iverson, Kevin Durant, LeBron James, etc. had a message for Wembanyama, but it’s safe to say the 2002 ROTY was the proudest of him. 

Before marking his entry into the Hall of  Fame with two back-to-back championships with the Los Angeles Lakers, Pau Gasol was a threat during his time with the Memphis Grizzlies. The Spanish sensation proved what he was capable of in his first year in the NBA, just like Wembanyama, and now he has a message for the Spurs rookie. 

In Fanatics’ tribute to Wembanyama, Gasol was also a part of it and he shared, “Victor, congratulations on such a special first season. I know it’s probably bittersweet to work hard, to do well individually, but the team results are not quite there yet. I have experienced that myself at my first season or two with the Grizzlies when I started my journey in the NBA. Keep working. Do what you do. All the best.” 

Three days after the above message through Fanatics, Gasol shared a special tweet today for the 7’4 rookie. The 2x Lakers champion wrote on Twitter, “No limits to what you can accomplish“, and tagged Wembanyama.

Gasol and Wemby teamed up during the 2024 All-Star break for the Rising Stars game. Wembanyama, who suited up for Team Pau, lost to Team Detlef, which consisted of a bunch of young G-League talents. So, Gasol has a first-hand experience of watching the Spurs rookie play. For the fans, it looked like a repeat of history, as Gasol and Wembanyama had a similar rookie season in the NBA. 

Pau Gasol’s first-season struggle was similar to that of Victory Wembanyama’s

Gasol averaged 17.7 points, 8.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 2.1 blocks in his first season for the Memphis Grizzlies. He was versatile for a center which was eye-opening for the NBA. He put the league on notice with his individual prowess, but his impact was not enough for the Grizzlies to find success. In the 2001-02 season, the Grizzlies finished as the 13th seed in the Western Conference, while Wembanyama and the Spurs finished as the 14th seed this season. 

This disappointment continued in Gasol’s sophomore year as well. He averaged 19.0 points and 8.8 rebounds, but the Grizzlies finished as the 12th seed in the West. The Spurs are expected to make a few big additions this year. In case they don’t, we might see a repeat of history.