What Does the Internet Say About Victor Wembanyama’s Deserves to Be the Next NBA Superstar?

The NBA has always been a league that thrives on legends, from Michael Jordan to Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and now a new generational star is capturing the attention of the basketball world: Victor Wembanyama. The 7’4” French prodigy, currently playing for the San Antonio Spurs, is not just seen as a future star—he’s being hailed as the player who could redefine basketball as we know it.

Recently, a NESN report covered ESPN’s expert predictions for the upcoming NBA Defensive Player of the Year 2026, and the results were stunning. Despite only playing 46 games in the 2024–25 season due to injury, Victor Wembanyama is still considered the clear frontrunner for the award. The Internet exploded with discussions, praising him as a once-in-a-lifetime talent who blends size, skill, defense, and offensive versatility in ways the league has never seen before.

So why does the Internet believe Victor Wembanyama deserves to be called an NBA superstar? Let’s dive into his story, his stats, and the shocking reasons why experts and fans alike are placing him on a pedestal reserved for only the greatest in basketball history.

Victor Wembanyama’s Journey to the NBA Spotlight

From France to Global Stardom

Victor Wembanyama, often nicknamed Wemby, grew up in Le Chesnay, France, where his unusual height and skill made him stand out from an early age. Unlike many other big men, Wembanyama developed guard-like handles, a smooth jump shot, and elite agility. By the time he was a teenager, scouts were already calling him a “basketball alien”—a term later echoed by LeBron James, who said Wembanyama was unlike any prospect he had ever seen.

Drafted by the San Antonio Spurs

In 2023, the San Antonio Spurs used the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA Draft to select Wembanyama, marking a new era for the franchise once led by Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginóbili. The pressure was enormous, but Wembanyama embraced the challenge, quickly proving that he wasn’t just hype—he was production.

The Numbers That Shocked the NBA

Dominance in the 2024–25 Season

Despite missing significant time due to deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in his shoulder, Victor Wembanyama put up jaw-dropping numbers across the board:

• 24.3 points per game

• 11.0 rebounds per game

• 3.8 blocks per game (leading the NBA with 176 blocks in 46 games)

• 1.1 steals per game

• Shooting 47.6% FG, 35.2% 3PT, and 83.6% FT

These numbers don’t just reflect a strong season—they reflect the foundation of a generational superstar. To put it into perspective, even when Wembanyama wasn’t at full health, he was statistically outpacing many healthy players across the league.

Defensive Juggernaut

What impressed analysts most wasn’t just his scoring—it was his defensive impact. According to Michael C. Wright of ESPN, the San Antonio Spurs had a 115.4 defensive rating with Wembanyama on the floor compared to 121.4 without him. That swing alone proves how transformative his presence is.

No other young player in the NBA affects defense so dramatically. Even veterans like Rudy Gobert and Giannis Antetokounmpo are being overshadowed by Wembanyama’s ability to alter shots, shut down the paint, and switch onto guards seamlessly.

ESPN’s Prediction: Wembanyama as Defensive Player of the Year 2026

In the ESPN expert panel vote, Victor Wembanyama earned 95 total points, far ahead of competitors:

• Evan Mobley – 31 points

• Chet Holmgren – 20 points

• Giannis Antetokounmpo – 16 points

• Rudy Gobert – 14 points

The fact that Wembanyama nearly tripled the second-place finisher speaks volumes about how highly he’s regarded. What’s even more impressive is that he achieved this level of respect while playing less than 50 games due to injury.

The NBA Defensive Player of the Year 2026 award is now seen as his to lose. If he remains healthy for a full season, most experts believe there’s little doubt he will win it.

Why the Internet Believes Wembanyama Is Already an NBA Superstar

The “Alien” Factor

LeBron James called Victor Wembanyama an “alien” because he combines rare traits: the height of a center, the wingspan of a shot-blocking machine, the footwork of a guard, and the shooting range of a forward. Fans online are constantly comparing his highlights to a mix of Kevin Durant, Rudy Gobert, and Dirk Nowitzki—a hybrid that should theoretically be impossible.

Social Media Highlights

Platforms like Twitter (X), Instagram, and TikTok are flooded daily with Wembanyama highlights—whether it’s a coast-to-coast dunk, a three-point step-back, or an impossible block that seems to defy physics. The Internet is not just watching Wemby—they’re celebrating him as the future face of the NBA.

A Global Icon in the Making

Unlike some other NBA stars who took years to break into international stardom, Wembanyama already carries global recognition. From France to the United States, from Europe to Asia, fans see him as the bridge to the NBA’s global future. His ability to speak multiple languages, connect with fans, and embrace international tournaments like EuroBasket only cements this status.

Comparisons to NBA Legends

Tim Duncan and the Spurs Legacy

Many fans are drawing parallels between Victor Wembanyama and Tim Duncan, the cornerstone of the San Antonio Spurs dynasty. While Duncan was a steady, fundamental force, Wembanyama brings flash and flair, but both share the same ability to change games with defense and leadership.

Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kevin Durant

Statistically and stylistically, Wembanyama resembles a fusion of Giannis Antetokounmpo’s physical dominance and Kevin Durant’s offensive versatility. But unlike both, Wemby entered the NBA with polished skills on both ends of the floor, making him even scarier long-term.

Wilt Chamberlain and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

With his size and ability to dominate the paint, Wembanyama is also compared to historic big men like Wilt Chamberlain and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. The difference? Wemby doesn’t just dominate under the rim—he can step out and drain a three.

The Concerns: Can Wembanyama Stay Healthy?

The biggest question surrounding Victor Wembanyama is not about talent—it’s about health. His 7’4” frame and unique movement skills put unusual strain on his body, as seen in the DVT shoulder injury that limited him to 46 games.

Critics online warn that if he can’t stay on the court, his potential will remain unrealized. However, the San Antonio Spurs medical staff, known for managing players like Tim Duncan and Kawhi Leonard, are investing heavily in keeping Wemby healthy.

If he avoids major injuries, the Internet consensus is clear: Victor Wembanyama is destined for greatness.

Conclusion: The Superstar the NBA Needs

The Internet doesn’t crown stars lightly—but in the case of Victor Wembanyama, the hype is justified. Between his dominant stats, his defensive presence, and his global appeal, Wembanyama is already being hailed as the future of the NBA.

The 2026 NBA Defensive Player of the Year seems like just the beginning. With his combination of offense and defense, leadership, and charisma, fans believe Wembanyama will not only win awards but also lead the San Antonio Spurs back into championship contention.

In a league always searching for the next face of basketball, Victor Wembanyama has already claimed the throne in the hearts of millions.