NBA fans are eagerly awaiting the start of the 2023/24 season, as Victor Wembanyama will take the court for the San Antonio Spurs.
The first overall pick is one of the players to watch, as a rookie hasn’t generated this much interest in decades.
Watch Victor Wembanyama’s reaction to NBA2K24
Wembanyama will earn 55 million dollars in his first four seasons in the league, a figure that makes him, more or less, the highest-paid rookie in the history of the NBA.
Amid the furor caused by the 19-year-old, former NBA star Tracy McGrady spoke with Brandon Robinson about the expectations placed on the youngster.
“They’re talking about the best player of all time and this and that,” said McGrady.
“Come on, man. We have to relax with that, we don’t know what this kid is going to be.”
“I do know he’ll be well prepared, he’ll get the best advice because he’s surrounded by greatness in Gregg Popovich, Tim Duncan, Dave Robinson and, in that sense, he’ll be ready. But let him develop, man.”
He also noted that the rookie will have to slowly earn his place in the league.
“This is the NBA, he’s going to have to face some real dogs,” McGrady continued.
“There will be some guys here that will challenge him, so let’s let this play out.”
McGrady, an authoritative voice in the NBA
In 15 seasons in the NBA, Tracy McGrady played for Toronto, Orlando, Houston, New York, Detroit, Atlanta and San Antonio. He was a seven-time All-Star and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2017.
Between 1997 and 2016 (in 2012-2013 he played in China), McGrady played 938 games and averaged 19.6 points, 5.6 rebounds and 4.4 assists in what was a spectacular career.
Wembanyama’s numbers in 2022/23
Last season, Wembanyama played for Metropolitans 92 in his native France and was a leader, averaging 21.6 points, 10.4 rebounds and 3.2 blocks per game.
He swept the individual honors after being elected MVP (youngest player to win it) and being recognized as best scorer, best defender, best shot blocker and best young player of the French league.
