The debate for the greatest NBA player of all time is a long-time topic that will likely never end. From Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to Michael Jordan to LeBron James, so many players who have stepped onto an NBA court are deserving of the “GOAT” title. However, according to Memphis Grizzlies forward GG Jackson, the greatest player of all time may have just entered the scene. In an appearance on Run It Back, Jackson said he believes San Antonio Spurs rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama will become the greatest NBA player of all time when it is all said and done.
“[Victor Wembanyama] is gonna be the greatest player to ever play the game” – @_ggjackson 👀@MichelleDBeadle | @TeamLou23 | @ChandlerParsons pic.twitter.com/XY4GXC49qG
— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) May 10, 2024
Despite only having one year in the NBA under his belt, Wembanyama already looks like one of the league’s top stars. Last season, the French native averaged 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game. Furthermore, he averaged 1.2 steals and a league-leading 3.6 blocks per game. Wembanyama became the sixth player to win the NBA Rookie of the Year award unanimously. Additionally, he finished second in Defensive Player of the Year voting behind Minnesota Timberwolves anchor Rudy Gobert. Although he did not win the award, Wembanyama was named the best defensive player in the league in The Athletic’s anonymous NBA player poll.
Grizzlies Forward Believes Rising Star Will Become the NBA GOAT
Victor Wembanyama Believes He Still Has Room for Improvement
Deemed arguably the greatest basketball prospect since James, expectations were high for Wembanyama. Yet, somehow, “Wemby” managed to live up to those expectations in the eyes of the public. However, according to Wembanyama himself, he “should have done more.”
“That is not how I feel,” he responded to the suggestion he had outdone even the most optimistic forecasts for success in his inaugural season. “Maybe it’s the case, but it’s not how I feel because I always, every day, try to push harder and do more, get more achievements, more records, more wins. But the next day I always tell myself that I didn’t do enough and to push me even more. “So, it’s my first impression that I didn’t exceed any expectations, that I should have done more.”
Even though Wembanyama had as good of a rookie season as the NBA has seen in years, maybe ever, it did not translate to much team success. During the regular season, the Spurs finished with a 22-60 record for the second consecutive season, missing the playoffs for the fifth straight year. Additionally, their record was the second-worst in the Western Conference and fifth-worst in the entire league. However, things are looking up for the franchise. The team will likely land a top draft pick for the 2024 NBA Draft. Additionally, reports are suggesting the team is already looking into adding a star point guard to pair alongside Wembanyama.
The Last Word on Victor Wembanyama
It is certainly too early to put Wembanyama in the same category as guys like Jordan and James. However, he seems destined for greatness. Whether he will end up in the NBA GOAT conversation, though, remains to be seen.
