Victor Wembanyama is being touted by one of the game’s greats as a potential Most Valuable Player. Hall of Famer Carmelo Anthony made waves this week when he boldly predicted that the 7-foot-5 San Antonio Spurs phenom could capture the NBA’s highest individual honor this season.
On Thursday’s episode of the “7PM in Brooklyn” podcast, Anthony surprised his co-hosts with a confident statement made just 34 seconds into the discussion.
“I predict he’s MVP this year,” Anthony said.
The reaction was instant. His co-hosts responded with disbelief, but Anthony doubled down, explaining his reasoning for backing the 21-year-old French superstar.
“I said that because he have the opportunity to lead every statistical category in the game,” Anthony continued. “Every category that there is, he can lead this season. … There’s a reason why they call him the Alien.”
The statement underscores how rapidly Wembanyama‘s stock has risen since entering the NBA just two seasons ago. The 2023 No. 1 overall pick arrived in the league with sky-high expectations, but his second season cemented his status as one of basketball’s most unique talents.
From hype to reality: Wembanyama’s rise among the elite
According to ESPN’s preseason player rankings, Wembanyama is now listed among the top five players in the NBA, surpassing established icons like Kevin Durant, LeBron James, and Stephen Curry.
Analysts point to his exceptional combination of size, mobility, and skill, a blend that has already redefined how big men play the game.
Last season, the Spurs center averaged 24.3 points, 11.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 3.8 blocks, and 1.1 steals per game. His ability to protect the rim while also handling the ball and spacing the floor made him one of the league’s most versatile players. Despite San Antonio’s losing record, Wembanyama‘s impact was impossible to ignore.
This summer, he took further steps toward stardom by training with two of the greatest big men in NBA history in Hakeem Olajuwon and Kevin Garnett. The sessions focused on refining his post moves, footwork, and physical conditioning, key areas that could elevate him from rising star to unstoppable force.
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