While the Nets and other contenders will try to win a title this season, many other teams will aim to win the lottery — and Victor Wembanyama. The NBA star the 18-year-old Frenchman is often likened to — the Nets’ Kevin Durant — joined the chorus of admirers who are saying the 7-foot-4 phenom is going to be special.
Wembanyama scored 37 points on 7-for-11 shooting from 3-point range and added five blocks Tuesday in a loss by his French pro team to G-League Ignite. He got revenge Thursday in the rematch, with 36 points, 11 rebounds, four blocks and four assists to lead his Metropolitans 92 club to victory over the Ignite.
That prompted LeBron James to dub him “an alien.” Durant also took notice.
“Yeah of course. How can you miss him?” said Durant, breaking into a grin at the mere mention of Wembanyama. “That kind of talent and skill, it just puts a smile on your face if you play basketball, because the evolution of the game has taken us this far. We have 7-5 dudes that are able to do everything on the court. He’s inspiring to a lot of people out here.”
That’s high praise, but not hyperbole. Wembanyama might be the most-hyped prospect since James. He not only will be a target of teams at the bottom of the league, but also even clubs in the middle might tank for a mere chance at his franchise-changing services.
For his part, Wembanyama isn’t likening himself to Durant, James or anybody else — or limiting himself to such comparisons — something that impressed the Nets star.
“I heard a comment he said where someone compared him to some players in the league, where he said I think I do myself a disservice if I compare myself to one or two players. I want to take from everybody. That was such a profound statement. It made me a big fan of his,” Durant said. “The league is really in trouble when he comes in. I want to see how it plays out. Everyone is excited for his arrival to the league.”
Markieff Morris had a solid outing in the Nets’ loss to the Heat on Thursday with 10 points and six rebounds, though he was minus-21 in 15 minutes off the bench.
“Kieff just played hard, tried to get in there and be physical and get offensive rebounds. He can stretch the floor and make threes. A veteran who knows how to play,” coach Steve Nash said. “The biggest role that Kieff can play for us this year is to be a leader and teach these guys how to compete and push them to higher standards.”
Nets owner Joe Tsai has taken in both preseason games, and was seated courtside for the loss to the Heat. He and wife Clara Wu Tsai are being honored for their $50 million gift to the New York Philharmonic, with the Wu Tsai Theater at Lincoln Center opening on Saturday.
An upcoming Hulu series starring Ronny Chieng — which shot scenes at halftime of the first two preseason games — is loosely based on Tsai, albeit reportedly changing the character from Nets owner to GM.
The Nets will host their sixth annual Practice in the Park on Sunday at Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Pier 2.