Los Angeles Clippers’ forward Paul George backtracked on his earlier assessment of Victor Wembanyama’s entry into the NBA, acknowledging the French rookie’s remarkable display during preseason games.
Expressing his surprise at Wembanyama’s seemingly effortless transition into the league, George admitted that he underestimated the young player’s abilities.
Observing Wembanyama’s on-court maneuvers, including commanding lob dunks and impressive defensive plays, George emphasized the potential impact of the French talent’s towering wingspan on opponents’ offensive strategies.
While previously expressing reservations about the challenges Wembanyama might face, George now acknowledges the 19-year-old’s exceptional skills, particularly highlighting his potential as a dominant shot blocker in the league.
“I take back everything I said,” George said on his podcast. “I knew he was gonna be successful in the league, but I thought it was gonna be tougher than what he’s making it look right now.
“I mean, he still hasn’t played the league yet, but some of the stuff he’s doing, dog… Threw it to the wing, called for the lob at the 3-point line knowing nobody else can go get that, dunked it… Dunked on Thomas Bryant…
“This goes back to Draymond [Green]’s point – worst case he’s gonna be one of the best shot blockers.
“A lot of times I put myself in other players’ shoes, like ‘Alright, what would have I done right there?’ And a lot of those possessions, it’s like damn, when I get to the paint, I’m gonna have to look like he’s contesting, I might beat my guy, he’s gonna get pulled in, I might think he’s way on the 3-point line but his wingspan, he’s still covering me.
“It’s gonna be different. You gonna have people really thinking about how they gonna get this shot off.”
