Renowned American journalist and founder of The Ringer, Bill Simmons, shared his thoughts on 20-year-old San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama.
“I thought he might be a little more clumsy, but he has really good coordination. I don’t know how else to describe it. He’s almost like a ballet dancer. He knows where to land and where to go. He’s able to avoid those awkward moments better than I expected,” Simmons said.
Simmons, who is known for his insightful NBA analysis and passionate fandom, has closely followed Wembanyama's meteoric rise to stardom since the French phenom first became eligible for the NBA draft.
“When you watch him play, it’s just mesmerizing. The way he moves for a guy that size, it’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen in the NBA. He’s like a unicorn — a true 7-foot-5 player who can handle the ball, shoot from the perimeter and protect the rim at an elite level,” Simmons continued.
The Ringer founder went on to praise Wembanyama's well-rounded skillset and basketball IQ, noting that the young big man's ability to make plays and avoid mistakes sets him apart from other top prospects.
"A lot of times when you have a guy that size, he can be clumsy or make bad decisions. But Victor is so poised and in control of his body. He makes the game look effortless, which is really rare for someone his size," Simmons said.
Simmons also highlighted Wembanyama's potential to transform the center position in the modern NBA, with his versatility and perimeter skills defying traditional notions of what a dominant big man should be.
“He’s going to force teams to completely rethink how they build their lineups and game plans. You can’t just throw him a killer center and expect to contain him. He’s going to stretch the floor, put the ball on the floor and make plays that bigger guys just can’t make,” Simmons said.
As Wembanyama continues to dazzle audiences and break records, the basketball world eagerly awaits his long-term impact on the game. Simmons, like many other NBA pundits and fans, is captivated by the young Frenchman's singular talents and limitless potential.
"Victor Wembanyama is a one-of-a-kind talent, and I can't wait to see what he accomplishes in the NBA. He will forever change the way we think about the center position," Simmons concluded.
