ESPN reporter and NBA Today analyst Brian Windhorst believes that San Antonio Spurs’ rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama isn’t getting the recognition he deserves for his stellar performances this season. Speaking on Friday’s NBA Today show alongside fellow analysts and host Malika Andrews, Windhorst made waves by drawing a surprising comparison between Wembanyama and NBA icon LeBron James.
The discussion centered around Wembanyama’s standout performance in the Spurs’ recent victory against the Oklahoma City Thunder, where he faced off against another highly touted rookie, Chet Holmgren. In that game, the Spurs emerged victorious with a score of 132-118, and Wembanyama put on a show, tallying 28 points, 13 rebounds, seven assists, and five blocks.
When Andrews asked the panel what impressed them most about Wembanyama’s rookie season, Windhorst was quick to emphasize that the French star deserves more attention for his remarkable achievements. Windhorst highlighted Wembanyama’s drive to excel in all aspects of the game, from team success to individual accolades like Rookie of the Year.
"He wants his team to win. He wants to win the dunk contest, 3-point contest, All-Star Game MVP. He wants to win everything, and he talks about it. I'm telling you, this guy is a gem, and the NBA is gonna discover it." – Brian Windhorst, NBA Today pic.twitter.com/ts1V6vfun6
— Josh Paredes (@Josh810) March 1, 2024
“He wants his team to win. He wants to win the dunk contest, 3-point contest, All-Star Game MVP. He wants to win everything, and he talks about it. I’m telling you, this guy is a gem, and the NBA is gonna discover it.” Windhorst remarked, pointing out Wembanyama’s determination to make an impact in his debut NBA season.
The ESPN analyst was particularly struck by Wembanyama’s candid remarks after the game, where the rookie expressed his desire to win Rookie of the Year and emphasized the importance of individual performance in helping his team succeed.
Windhorst drew parallels between Wembanyama’s mindset and what NBA fans might have seen from LeBron James early in his career, suggesting that if James had expressed similar ambitions as a rookie in 2004, it would have generated significant buzz in the media.
