Most of the NBA’s best gamers are near wrapping up their careers. However the league is in good fingers with Spurs famous person Victor Wembanyama.
That’s how Josh Hart felt after the 20-year-old Parisian produced a Christmas Day stat line that has by no means been seen earlier than within the Knicks’ 117-114 win at Madison Sq. Backyard: 42 factors, 18 rebounds, fours assists and 4 blocks.
“Good lord. He’s different,” Hart mentioned after the win. “The league is gonna be in good hands when all the old guys, when they’re done, [Lebron James]. [Kevin Durant], [Steph Curry] – all them older statesman, what are they all 40 damn near? The elder statesmen? Once they leave, the league will be in good hands with him, [Anthony Edwards] – a lot of guys, I can’t think of much. But he’s different.”
In his Christmas Day debut, Wembanyama shot 16-of-31 from the sector, together with 6-of-16 taking pictures from downtown.
His efficiency made him the third participant in NBA historical past to have 40 or extra factors in his Christmas Day debut, becoming a member of all-time greats Tracy McGrady and Wilt Chamberlain. He additionally turned the primary participant in NBA historical past to report no less than 40 factors, 15 rebounds, 5 three-pointers, and 4 blocks in a recreation.
To have a statline that a few of the greats Hart talked about — Durant, Curry, James — by no means achieved is particular. And to do it on the Christmas Day stage provides to the lore and pleasure surrounding Wembanyama.
The 7-4 unicorn’s full arsenal was on show. He almost carried a lesser Spurs group to an upset victory on the nationwide stage. Wembanyama did his injury with Karl-Anthony Cities as the first defender on Wednesday afternoon. And it might have been one of many solely occasions the Knicks star felt inferior “smaller” within the paint.
“I’m not as tall,” Cities mentioned in response to the similarities between the 2. “I don’t know what similarities there are. He’s French, I’m Dominican. There ain’t too much . . . I’m 7-feet. He’s way past 7-feet.”
With Wembanyama main the rebuild in San Antonio — together with younger contributors Devin Vassell and Jeremy Sochan — the Spurs are certain to make a return to the postseason for the primary time since 2019 within the coming years.
And his greatness is being marveled throughout the league.
“What is he, 7-9, 7-10? . . . He’s utilizing his God-given traits, and that’s what makes him a special defensive player as well,” mentioned Cities. “His ability to cover space, he’s athletic to move quick enough to get to the spot, and he’s obviously with his God-given traits he’s tall enough to alter shots. So he’s been blessed by God. He’s utilizing his talent for his family and for the Spurs organization.”
