By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Hall of Famer and current Los Angeles Clippers executive Jerry West commended Victor Wembanyama for his ability to combine his size with playing smart and didn’t hesitate to compare him to a… “bigger” version of legendary Bill Russell.
Here’s what The Logo said on SiriusXM NBA Radio:
“You rarely see someone that combines his brain and his ability. Just watching him play, it’s an easy game for him to play. Very easy. Never looked like he’s really working, and if you watched the really great players, they don’t look like they’re working hard. They’re always in the right place, at the right time.
“I think when he comes in to the league, I think he’ll be more of a defender. If you watch him defensively, he ruins games. He reminds me a little bit of a bigger Bill Russell, with a big reach, coming from everywhere, b15blindsides. Any offensive player is gonna have to be really cautious about where he is because he’s gonna mess up some offenses, that’s for sure”
“He reminds me of a bigger Bill Russell.”
Jerry West has high praise for Victor Wembanyama at NBA Summer League@termineradio | @thejaxshow | @vicw_32 pic.twitter.com/AZKfgqRDTw
— SiriusXM NBA Radio (@SiriusXMNBA) July 8, 2023
Wembanyama did have an impressive defensive presence in his NBA Summer League debut by delivering five blocks, along with eight rebounds in a 76 – 68 win of the San Antonio Spurs over the Charlotte Hornets. He was unable to make shots, finishing with 2-13 from the field.
After the game, Wemby attributed his struggles to confusion. “Honestly, I didn’t really know what I was doing on the court tonight but it’s what I learn from for the next games,” the young French star said.