When Giannis Antetokounmpo burst onto the NBA scene over a decade ago, it was clear he was something special. Dubbed the ‘Greek Freak’ at just 18, Giannis began carving out a reputation for his extraordinary athleticism and physicality. Fast forward ten years, and another unicorn has emerged: Victor Wembanyama, a player whose unique talents are capturing the league’s attention in a different way.
Sandro Mamukelashvili, now with the Toronto Raptors, holds the unique perspective of having played alongside both of these exceptional talents. Before a matchup against the San Antonio Spurs, Mamukelashvili shared his insights on the distinct styles of Giannis and Wembanyama, as reported by Raptors insider Josh Lewenberg.
“Giannis is more physical. That’s his game-dominating the paint with sheer strength.
Wemby, on the other hand, brings versatility. He’s a sharpshooter, can handle the ball with both hands, and excels in the mid-range,” Mamukelashvili explained.
When pressed about Wembanyama’s seemingly impossible feats on the court, Mamukelashvili was straightforward in his admiration.
Giannis is a force of nature in the paint, nearly unstoppable when he decides to drive. His combination of size, strength, and athleticism makes him a nightmare for defenders. However, his shooting has been a work in progress, an area where he continues to seek improvement.
Wembanyama, though, seems to have no such limitations. His offensive repertoire is vast and unprecedented for someone of his stature.
“There’s no ceiling for him,” Mamukelashvili remarked. “You can’t predict his next move-whether it’s a half-court shot or a powerful dunk. As he gains more experience and strength, the sky’s the limit.”
Through his first 160 NBA games, Wembanyama is averaging an impressive 23 points, 10.9 rebounds, and an astounding 3.4 blocks per game. His shooting stats are equally impressive, hitting 47 percent from the field and 34 percent from three-point range. This season, he’s upped his three-point shooting to 36 percent, averaging 1.8 made threes per game.
Wembanyama has propelled the Spurs ahead of their rebuilding timeline, leading them to a strong 41-16 record and second place in the Western Conference as they faced the Raptors. His impact is undeniable, and his future looks incredibly bright.