Draymond Green shared his perspective on Victor Wembanyama’s future on The Draymond Green Show, saying via HoopsHype, “Wemby has the talent to be the face of the NBA. Wemby has the love and commitment and dedication to be the face of the NBA.”
Despite Wembanyama’s skills, Green questioned whether fans could embrace him as the league’s flagship player. “Ultimately, the face of the NBA has to be accepted and created by the people. And I just don’t know that the people: A) Can relate to a 7’5″ guy, B) A non-American, and specifically a European — and make them the face of our league. I just don’t know that’s going to happen,” he said.
Green pointed to historical precedents, noting European stars have dominated individually but never became the NBA’s face. “Joker’s been the best player in the league now three, four years. Giannis was. Luka’s right there. None of them have become the face of the NBA — because we’ve just never seen a face,” he added.
Wembanyama, 22, is averaging 24.5 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 3.0 blocks per game for the San Antonio Spurs this season. He has started 19 of 28 games, shooting 51.6% from the field and 38.2% from three. The Spurs are currently 4th in the Western Conference at 27-16.
Green’s comments come amid growing attention on Wembanyama’s potential to lead the league both on and off the court. The Spurs have leaned on younger contributors like Stephon Castle and Devin Vassell while Wembanyama has remained their centerpiece.
For Wembanyama, the challenge remains not just on the court, but in connecting with fans across demographics and cultures.
