Is Victor Wembanyama Already the Best Player in the NBA?
It’s not just about talent – Wembanyama is redefining what dominance looks like through control, composure, and completeness on both ends of the court
We already knew Victor Wembanyama was a generational talent the moment he stepped onto an NBA floor. A 7’4″ center who moves like a guard – that alone was enough to make scouts, fans, and legends of the game stop and stare. But three seasons later, he’s no longer just a phenomenon. He’s looking more and more like the league’s best player.
Through the opening stretch of the regular season, the San Antonio Spurs star is averaging 33 points and 13 rebounds, but numbers barely begin to capture the story. His offensive repertoire – now refined and expanded – includes step-backs off the dribble, guard-level ball-handling, and unreal shooting touch and quickness for someone his size. Historically, centers just don’t do this.
One of his early-season masterpieces came against the Dallas Mavericks, where Wembanyama faced long stretches guarded by Anthony Davis, arguably the NBA’s premier defender. The result? Total domination. Wemby dismantled the defense with fluid scoring and an effortless rhythm, underscoring just how far he’s come technically and mentally.
And yet, his offense might not even be his greatest strength. Defensively, he’s without question the most impactful player in the league – altering shots, shutting down drives, and covering more space than seems humanly possible.
Even former stars are taking notice. Gilbert Arenas, the ex-Wizards legend, expressed both disbelief and admiration for the French phenom:
Remember how Embiid and the vets tried to rough him up his rookie year? He’s paying them back now. He’s facing one of the league’s best defenders (Davis) and dropping 40 and 15. What’s going on?
Gilbert Arenas
Arenas’s words sum up what many are thinking: Wembanyama isn’t just one of the top three players in the world – he might already be the best. And he’s doing it night after night, with terrifying consistency.
What’s even more remarkable? He’s only 21. His combination of size, skill, IQ, and poise at that age is unprecedented. Wemby isn’t just evolving technically; he’s showing a level of maturity and mindset rare even among veterans.
If this trajectory continues, San Antonio may have something far greater than a superstar – they may have the foundation of an era-defining dynasty, built around one of the most complete and dominant players basketball has ever seen.