Victor Wembanyama is still in the early chapters of his NBA journey, but already, the comparisons to the all-time greats are starting to feel less like hype and more like prophecy. And when Dwight Howard recently likened Wemby to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar-with a jump shot, no less-it wasn’t just a headline-grabbing soundbite. It was a recognition of something deeper: a shared mindset between two generational talents who approach the game with purpose, discipline, and a sense of something bigger than basketball.
Let’s be clear-Kareem wasn’t just a dominant force on the court; he was a man of principle, a thinker, and a cultural icon who moved through life with intention. Everything he did, from perfecting the skyhook to standing on the front lines of social justice, came from a place of deep focus and conviction. He didn’t chase attention; he earned respect by staying true to himself.
That same energy? You’re starting to see it in Wembanyama.
Howard’s description of Wemby as “Kareem with a jump shot” might sound like hyperbole at first, but the more you watch the 7-foot-4 phenom play-and more importantly, the more you learn about how he lives-the more it makes sense. He’s not just out here trying to fill up stat sheets.
He’s deliberately building something. Something lasting.
Wemby’s curiosity about the game is well documented. He’s not just watching film or working on his footwork-he’s actively seeking out wisdom from NBA legends like Jamal Crawford and Kevin Garnett.
That’s not typical rookie behavior. And then there’s the off-court stuff: spending time with monks to sharpen his mental focus?
That’s a level of introspection you rarely see in any athlete, let alone a 20-year-old navigating the spotlight of NBA stardom.
And yet, it doesn’t feel forced. Wemby moves to his own rhythm.
He’s the guy who held a spontaneous chess tournament in a New York park midseason-not for publicity, but because he wanted to connect with people and engage his mind. He’s the guy who goes to bed early, who sees Las Vegas not as a playground but as a warning sign of modern excess.
He’s thoughtful, intentional, and maybe even a little eccentric-but always authentic.
Kareem didn’t need to shout to be heard, and Wemby seems to understand that same quiet power. He hasn’t taken to the streets in protest, but he has spoken out on violence and injustice in a country he wasn’t born in but now calls home.
That takes courage. It also shows a young man who’s aware of the platform he holds-and who’s not afraid to use it.
But make no mistake: all of this-the chess, the monks, the moral compass-isn’t a distraction from his basketball goals. It’s fuel.
Wemby wants to be great. Not just good.
Not just an All-Star. *Great.
- And everything he does, from his diet to his downtime, is designed to get him there.
The Spurs knew they were getting a special talent when they landed the No. 1 pick. What they might not have fully realized is that they were also getting one of the most fascinating personalities the league has seen in years. Wembanyama isn’t just redefining what a big man can do on the court-he’s reshaping what it means to be a superstar in this era.
He’s not here for the noise. He’s here for the work. And if his path continues to mirror that of Kareem-intentional, principled, dominant-then we’re all witnessing something truly rare.
San Antonio’s got themselves a cornerstone. And the league? It better be paying attention.