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Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's height helped him become one of the greatest NBA players of all-time. Victor Wembanyama's height has helped make him one of the most hyped draft prospects of all-time. Take a look at how Wembanyama compares to his fellow 7'2 center.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's height had him dominating the NBA
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's height was listed as 7'2 during his playing career. Abdul-Jabbar used his height to his advantage, notably with his legendary sky-hook shot that may be the most unstoppable move in NBA history.
Abdul-Jabbar was able to dominate his era in a way that, arguably, nobody has since. Abdul-Jabbar is the NBA's all-time leading scorer, while also ranking in the top-three in rebounds and blocks. He would likely be the all-time leader in blocks if they were counted in his first three seasons.
Additionally, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has won an NBA-record six MVP awards and has been named to an NBA-record 19 All-Star teams. He has been named to 15 All-NBA teams, second-most all-time, and 11 All-Defensive teams, fourth-most all-time. Abdul-Jabbar helped lead the Milwaukee Bucks to one title and the LA Lakers to five titles, winning six total championships in ten NBA Finals appearances.
Watch highlights of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's sky-hook below:
Victor Wembanyama's in-game similarities to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's height and skill made him one of the most touted draft prospects of all-time. The Hall of Fame center dominated both high school and college basketball, as he won more championships than he lost games. He was able to live up to the hype by becoming one of, if not the, greatest player of all-time.
Victor Wembanyama possesses a similar combination of height and skill, however, it is unclear if he will live up to the hype. Similar to Abdul-Jabbar, Wembanyama possesses the ability to dominate a game defensively. His wingspan allows him to be an elite-level rim protector, as Abdul-Jabbar was. Wembanyama also possesses the ability to play passing lanes and collect steals as Abdul-Jabbar did in his prime.
Offensively, Abdul-Jabbar was very underrated at ball-handling, shooting, and playmaking, as centers in that era were not given the offensive freedom that they have in the modern game. Kareem, however, was more than capable in all three facets.
Playing in an era of positionless basketball will afford Wembanyama the opportunity to show off his game in ways Kareem couldn't. While it is unclear if he will live up to the hype, as Abdul-Jabbar did, Wembanyama certainly has the tools to succeed at the highest level.
Watch Victor Wembanyama's highlights below:
