NBA Stars Reveal Their Mind-Blowing First Encounters With Victor Wembanyama

Victor Wembanyama, often hailed as an alien among mere mortals, has redefined what it means to be a basketball prodigy.

Standing at an imposing 7 feet 4 inches, with a wingspan that seems to stretch endlessly, Wembanyama combines size, skill, and agility in ways rarely seen before.

Drafted first overall in 2024, his rookie season stats—21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 3.6 blocks per game—speak volumes about his immediate impact on the NBA.

LeBron James, a legend who has witnessed almost every basketball phenomenon imaginable, was genuinely impressed by Wembanyama’s skill set.

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“He’s special,” LeBron said.

“He has an unbelievable coach who will help him grow the right way.

He’s going to get better every game and every year.”

For a player of LeBron’s caliber to acknowledge such potential is a testament to Wembanyama’s rare gift.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who led the Oklahoma City Thunder to an unexpected top seed in the Western Conference, offered a more tactical perspective.

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He admitted that defending against Wembanyama’s rim protection was challenging, noting how the Spurs’ defense collapsed unpredictably on drives, largely due to Wembanyama’s disruptive presence.

“We had to adjust our offense mid-game once we realized how dominant he was protecting the paint,” Shai explained.

Trey Young, the crafty point guard for the Atlanta Hawks, encountered firsthand just how difficult it is to score against Wembanyama.

Known for his finesse and creativity, Trey found himself blocked and altered on multiple attempts.

“He’s a presence,” Trey said.

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“Every time he’s on the floor, you don’t know if he’s going to block your shot or make a play on the lob.

They used him well in the second half, throwing it up to him.”

Even Stephen Curry, one of the most elusive finishers in the league, found Wembanyama’s defense formidable.

Curry praised Wembanyama’s timing and length, describing his blocks as “weird” yet effective.

“You can’t disregard where he’s at every possession,” Curry remarked.

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“He’s unlike anything I’ve seen before.”

Ja Morant, a guard known for his explosive athleticism, managed to pull off a highlight-reel dunk over Wembanyama, a rare feat against such a defensive titan.

Despite the spectacular play, Morant downplayed the moment, focusing instead on scoring and maintaining composure.

“My goal is to score, no excitement about dunking on anyone,” he said modestly.

Chris Paul, a cerebral veteran known for his basketball IQ, found Wembanyama’s defensive savvy challenging.

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“He’s smart and changes your mind on the court,” Paul noted.

“You have to shoot it high because he gets a hand on everything.

He does a lot that doesn’t show up in the stats.”

CJ McCollum, a consistent scorer and student of the game, sees a bright future for Wembanyama.

“There was a lot of buzz about him being a taller version of Kevin Durant,” McCollum said.

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“He’s young, skilled, and developing under the Spurs’ system.

He’s going to be very successful.”

Devin Booker, tied with Kevin Durant as the Suns’ top scorer, admitted that Wembanyama still puzzles him offensively.

“He’s unbelievable talent,” Booker said.

“We’re still trying to figure out how to make it tough on him because he can shoot over everyone with that height.”

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Kawhi Leonard, known for his stoic demeanor, gave a rare media comment praising Wembanyama’s growth.

“He’s going to be good,” Kawhi said simply.

“Once he figures out where to get his shots and reads defenses better, he’ll keep getting better.”

De’Aaron Fox, one of the fastest guards in the league, shared the physical challenge of facing Wembanyama.

“Nothing prepares you for that length,” Fox said.

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“He blocks shots no matter what. You have to get used to the physicality.”

Donovan Mitchell, despite his powerful drives and experience guarding long defenders, struggled against Wembanyama’s length and timing.

“He’s already a defensive monster,” Mitchell said.

“He’s disruptive in ways you don’t expect.”

Luka Dončić, one of Europe’s greatest NBA exports, was also impressed.

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“He moves like a point guard despite being 7’5”,” Luka marveled.

“He’s going to be amazing to watch.”

Even Zion Williamson, a physical beast in his own right, acknowledged Wembanyama’s unique presence.

“He can get two or three Defensive Player of the Year awards,” Zion said.

“We haven’t seen anything like him.”

Jared Allen, a top shot-blocker himself, was surprised by Wembanyama’s wingspan and versatility.

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“He has it all—talent, shot-blocking, post moves,” Allen said.

“He’s going to have a long career.”

Victor Wembanyama’s arrival in the NBA is more than just a new chapter; it’s the dawn of a new era.

His blend of size, skill, and basketball IQ has left some of the league’s best players both challenged and inspired.

As he continues to develop under the Spurs’ guidance, the basketball world watches closely, anticipating a future where Wembanyama could redefine greatness and become a generational icon.

The reactions from NBA stars underscore one undeniable truth—Victor Wembanyama is not just a player; he is a phenomenon rewriting the limits of the sport.