'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wgARCAAGAAoDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFgABAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQH/8QAFQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAgT/2gAMAwEAAhADEAAAAMvrDV//xAAiEAABAwIGAwAAAAAAAAAAAAADAQIEERIABQYTMUEhIpH/2gAIAQEAAT8Aiu00bLo0YcKWsb1ZKK5o90hVIrUcnNGovVeMHyAO8TYLaG5bGoy2jevFVp9XH//EABcRAAMBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAgP/2gAIAQIBAT8A0pn/xAAWEQADAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAyH/2gAIAQMBAT8AXT//2Q=='%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Victor Wembanyama is projected to be the first overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. The 18-year old has drawn comparisons to several NBA legends due to his combination of size, skill, and potential.
5 legends compared to Victor Wembanyama
Victor Wembanyama's unique blend of size and skill has created a buzz that we haven't seen in quite some time. Considered a lock for the first overall pick, it's apparent that several teams will tank this season with the hopes of landing him.
1. LeBron James
Drawing comparisons to LeBron James would be impressive for nearly any player, even NBA All-Stars. For Victor Wembanyama, who hasn't even played an NBA game, it shows how much talent and potential he possesses.
Former NBA champion Richard Jefferson believes that Wembanyama would be picked over James in a hypothetical draft:
"If LeBron James, at that exact moment, showed up, Victor would go higher than him."
"I'm not saying that he's going to be better than LeBron James ... I remember LeBron James, 20 years ago, that player was 6'7. This person is 7'4."
"LeBron James would be number two if he was the exact same age coming in the exact same draft. LeBron James would be number two. That's how crazy this kid is as a prospect."
2. Kevin Durant
Victor Wembanyama is often compared to Kevin Durant. This is due to his tall/skinny build and his ability to handle and shoot the ball. An unnamed GM labeled Wembanyama as a "7-foot-4 Durant". The French star shared that he models his game after the future Hall of Famer.
3. Giannis Antetokounmpo
The other superstar that Victor Wembanyama has modeled his game after is Giannis Antetokounmpo. Some pundits have described him as "Giannis with a jump shot," or a "skinny Giannis." Skill-wise, Wembanyama is more advanced than Antetokounmpo was at the same age. Giannis' work ethic, however, has propelled him to greatness. Wembanyama's mentality has already drawn comparisons to the superstar.
4. Yao Ming
Yao Ming is one of the tallest players in NBA history. He is also the most heralded international draft prospect in recent memory. Victor Wembanyama's combination of size and hype has drawn plenty of comparisons to Ming.
Former NBA player Kendrick Perkins had this to say:
"He's going to come into the NBA and he's going to dominate, period. Right off the bat, make no mistake about it, he's going to dominate. He's going to be box office, people are going to want to come see him. He is what Yao Ming was when he came over from China."
5. Ralph Sampson
Prior to Yao Ming's induction, Ralph Sampson was the tallest person in the NBA Hall of Fame. Although Sampson's career was derailed by injuries, the big man was a dominant force in his prime. He had a slender build, shot the ball well, and provided high-level rim protection. Sampson is probably the best comparison for Victor Wembanyama.
