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Victor Wembanyama is regarded not only as one of the top NBA prospects in the modern era, but as a young player who could transform the Association. The 7'5'' phenom recently completed Summer League action and impressed many viewers, as well as future teammates, with his play.
But one former NBA star is not as smitten with Wembanyama. During a talk show appearance on Thursday, Tim Hardaway claimed Wemby is not yet physically ready to match up with NBA big men, and that new Phoenix Suns signing Bol Bol is better than the Frenchman.
Bol Bol -- nearly the same weight as Wemby!
On the surface, Hardaway's comments can be considered reasonable. Bol, the son of former NBA center Manute Bol, is entering his fifth NBA season, and through free agency just joined a Suns team that is poised to contend for a championship in 2024. Bol and Wembanyama have also shown they are multifaceted centers, capable of dribbling and shooting at a high level for such tall players.
However, Wembanyama is already taller than the 7'2'' Bol and weighs only ten pounds lighter. Wembanyama -- who has already admitted the NBA game has less physicality than the European game -- weighs 210 pounds, while 23-year-old Bol weighs 220 pounds.
The expected playing time next season is also a factor when comparing the two players. Wemby will be an opening night starter under Gregg Popovich, while Bol will be a substitute in Phoenix -- although he made a career-high 33 starts as a member of the Orlando Magic last season.
Wembanyama's capacity to improve
Seeing as he is a rookie, Wembanyama is not likely to be immune from the adaptation process to the NBA -- particularly as he is a European import. But the San Antonio Spurs deemed Wembanyama worthy of the #1 overall selection in the 2023 draft because of what he can already do -- and what he can add to his toolbox as he gains experience.
The Spurs figure Wembanyama will change their franchise and bring success to San Antonio in the long run -- although Bol and the Suns are certainly well-positioned to compete for the NBA Finals in the short term.