Wembanyama addresses NBA tanking, notes references to Magic Johnson / News - Basketnews.com

Victor Wembanyama talked about the praises of NBA superstars, mastering his body, passive bodybuilding, his father's influence, and his size as an asset.

Credit: J.E.E/SIPA-Scanpix Credit J.E.E/SIPA-Scanpix

LeBron James labeled Victor Wembanyama as an "alien", Stephen Curry compared him to a video game "2K create-a-player", while Kevin Durant believes the "league is really in trouble" when the French unicorn is drafted No. 1 in 2023.

2-pointers this season

55%32,3Points made:32,3Accuracy:55,5%Place in standings:2Record max:42Record min:24Most made 2FGs:Anthony DavisTeamNBAStatisticsSchedule

The above-mentioned NBA superstars are the same players Wembanyama is ready to face up next season.

"NBA is the best [product] in my sport. Over the years, I have admired a lot of players. When I was younger, it was Allen Iverson. Around 12-13 years old, it was Russell Westbrook. After, there was [Stephen] Curry, [Kevin] Durant, and Giannis [Antetokounmpo]. I know many stars have said good things about me, but it never crossed my mind," Wembanyama said of his future opponents' praises in an interview with Le Parisien.

"To tell the truth, I'm even more flattered when someone outside basketball compliments me. When it's Michael Douglas, for example. It's very nice and a bit dreamy. If it's someone from basketball, I tell myself that it's somebody I will have to play against one day or against whom I will have to put a powerful dunk. That changes the perspective of the compliment," the 18-year-old added.

This NBA season is going to look dramatically different because of Wembanyama.

Tanking strategy could lead basketball fans to some truly unwatchable basketball towards the end of the 2022-23 season when NBA teams begin doing everything that's in their power to bring the best young star to their franchise.

"Tanking? It's a weird strategy," Wembanyama addressed the issue. "I find it unreasonable, and I try not to think about it. I also heard that the NBA considered changing a few rules for me, but that doesn't concern me."

The French phenomenon is yet to decide which NBA club he would like to join.

Los Angeles Lakers / Schedule

Sacramento Kings Los Angeles Lakers134-120 Los Angeles Lakers Charlotte Hornets130-134 Dallas Mavericks Los Angeles Lakers124-115 Orlando Magic Los Angeles Lakers110-129 Miami Heat Los Angeles LakersThu00:30 Atlanta Hawks Los Angeles LakersSat00:30 Charlotte Hornets Los Angeles LakersTue00:00

"Even if I had it [in mind], I wouldn't say it. But I don't."

One of the main Wembanyama's attributes that made NBA executives fall in love with him is his incredible size and wingspan.

"The biggest thing is mental strength, which is essential. You may not realize it if you are a 'normal' size, but moving a body like mine is actually very hard. It takes willpower, and my [mindset] has always been to play the way I've always played. It's a lot more complicated than for someone who's 6-foot tall," Wembanyama talked about mastering his body.

"On the contrary, I consider my size an asset. On a basketball court, of course," he stressed. "I'm lucky, being a basketball player and having an adapted environment: for example, a bed of my size. I go to places that are adjusted to taller basketball players, so I live quite well.

"As I got taller, I realized that there are rude people. Some individuals would make remarks when they were passing me that might seem innocent, but they were embarrassing and hurtful. The person who asked a question like, 'What's it like to be so tall?' thought I was hearing it for the first time when it was just the thousandth time," Wembanyama recalled.

Victor also spoke about his father's influence in his early days.

"My father, who is a former athlete, taught me how to run and instilled in me a lot of reflexes that I use every day. He taught me to be active on a daily basis. He also always talks to me about 'passive bodybuilding'.

For example, when climbing stairs, if you do it with soft supports and remaining relaxed, it does not encourage the development of the feet. If you go up a staircase, staying straight and a little more sheathed, that's another thing. It becomes natural over time."

Last but not least, Victor Wembanyama paid respect to legendary Magic Johnson when he was talking about why he wears No. 32 in the French national team and expressed his 'to be first' mentality.

"There are several of them [reasons]. Among these is a reference to Magic Johnson, who also wore it. With Metropolitans 92, I wear number 1 to be number 1 because that's my mentality.

I don't want to leave others behind or put anyone down, but I want to be the first, the number 1. That's clear. I know that when I say that, people find me arrogant. But those who think so have understood nothing," he concluded.

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