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Sports Illustrated
Sports Illustrated
Sport
Mike McDaniel

Victor Wembanyama Makes Unexpected Pick for His Favorite NBA Player Growing Up

Victor Wembanyama will likely be selected with the No. 1 pick in Thursday’s NBA draft, and the surefire top prospect has been making the media rounds this week ahead of his big night.

The 7'2" Wembanyama was asked who his favorite player was growing up, and he gave an interesting answer.

“I remember at some point I was a big fan of Westbrook in OKC,” Wembanyama began. “But I have plenty, you know? I never had one big idol.”

The Westbrook answer by Wembanyama was interesting considering how different their games are. Westbrook has been a do-it-all combo guard for his entire career, while Wembanyama plays like a wing with the height of a center.

There’s never been a player quite like Wembanyama, who has slashing ability like a guard, a post game like a big and handles and gets to his spots like a wing. 

He’ll likely be coached by Gregg Popovich next season, who is unquestionably one of the best coaches in the history of the NBA. It will be interesting to see how Popovich will try to get the most out of Wembanyama’s unique skillset when he hits the floor in the fall.

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