For the third time in franchise history, the San Antonio Spurs will pick the first overall pick in the NBA Draft. They are widely expected to take on the 7’4 French finisher Victor Wimbanyama with top pick next month, and could be next in a long line of big men, including David Robinson, Tim Duncan and LaMarcus Aldridge.
Despite his size, Wimpanyama is closer to Kevin Durant than Robinson, Duncan and Aldridge, which makes him look like a perfect fit for today’s NBA. His size, height, and mobility, combined with his perimeter skills, could make him an instant star. Indeed, according to ESPN’s Andre SnellingsWimpanyama is expected to put up massive numbers in his rookie season.
How good is Wimpanyama with Tottenham next season?
Although there is often a learning curve for beginners, Snellings believes he can make an immediate impact. Wembanyama is currently expected to average around 21.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, 3.1 blocks and 2.9 assists per game. If those predictions do indeed work, he could become the first rookie since Duncan running back in 1997-98 to average at least 20 points, 10 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game.
It could also turn the Spurs from being the second-worst team in the NBA into a prospect in the course of a single season. This will depend on the number of matches he plays. With those numbers, he’d be a lock for this year’s rookie and maybe even an All-Star team, but missing, say, 10 games might be enough to prevent them from making the playoffs.
Knowing the Spurs, they will likely take a cautious approach with Wimpanyama during his rookie season as he works to adapt to the NBA and add muscle. That may mitigate some of his impact, but he may be the best in the long run since no player of his size has ever had such a long career. If he’s the first and puts up the numbers expected of him, he can live up to the hype.
All in all, Wimpanyama is a default lock that the Spurs will take on for the first time in next year’s draft. And if ESPN’s rookie season predictions come to fruition, San Antonio could soon be back to winning ways.