Open Thread: Victor Wembanyama draws comparisons to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
We all know Wemby is something special, but putting comparisons will create for some interesting conversations
In a recent Bleacher Report article comparing 10 of today’s youngest and brightest stars to some past greats, our beloved Victor Wembanyama received some praise based on skills reminiscent to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
“When looking for a Hall-of-Fame comp, Abdul-Jabbar most closely fits the bill with his similar size, massive wingspan and ability to control a game on both ends of the court.
“Abdul-Jabbar stood 7’2″ and weighed in at 225 pounds, not far off from Wembanyama’s 7’4”, 209-pound frame. Unless he develops a sky hook (could you imagine??), Wembanyama’s offensive skill set is noticeably different from Abdul-Jabbar’s, of course.
“… Imagine if someone Abdul-Jabbar’s size could handle the ball like a guard, attack off the dribble and shoot fadeaway threes at will. This is what Wembanyama could be now.
“Defensively, Abdul-Jabbar led the NBA in blocked shots four times (and possibly more given that this stat wasn’t even recorded his first four years in the league), making 11 All-Defensive teams in the process. Wembanyama could have a similar impact on that end, as his 8-foot wingspan and overall mobility is going to wreak havoc on opponents from all over the court.”
There are some other great comparisons in the piece — Zion Williamson as a most athletic Charles Barkley and Ja Morant as a bigger version of Allen Iverson — definitely got my attention.
Who do you think Wemby most resembles? While I like the KAJ reference, Ralph Samson, Kevin Durant, and Giannis Antetokounmpo all have skill sets that I think embody the French phenom.
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