The upcoming NBA Draft Lottery, in which the Detroit Pistons have the best odds, is considered by many to be the most important since 2003, when the Cleveland Cavaliers won the top pick and the right to select LeBron James.
We are potentially witnessing the berth of a generational talent, so how does Victor Wembanyama fit into the modern day version of our beloved professional basketball league? And how does he fit on the Detroit Pistons?
Detroit Pistons: Victor Wembanyama’s strengths and weaknesses
Victor Wembanyama’s strengths
The man is closing in on 7 and-a-half feet tall. He has an 8-foot wingspan, which will be the widest in the NBA. You may have guessed that his shot-blocking is otherworldly. Given his physical gifts, he may someday swat a shot taken on a distant planet. Until then, he will be transforming whatever squad is lucky enough to add him into an entirely different defensive unit. He might, all by himself, be capable of making such a unit elite. He alters shots that he doesn’t block and has attackers who find themselves jumping in his vicinity regretting their decision. Those who dribble in his direction are also prone to changing their minds. His length helps him when he is called upon to switch, as it often atones for his footspeed, which is the rare attribute that doesn’t merit gushing about.
Offensively, you will find someone who can handle the rock far better than should anyone his size. As for size, it isn’t all about wingspan and height. While he won’t ever be Shaquille O’Neal, in a strange way he looks kinda yoked. This is encouraging, as it gives one hope that he will be able to add strength and mass as he matures much like Giannis Antetokounmpo did after entering the NBA as a lanky forward.
Every added pound of muscle will matter to someone with his physique. He has a rather smooth jump shot that is almost unstoppable given his release. There is work to be done before his accuracy outside the arch will be up to snuff, but it’s already in the ballpark. If he manages to become an average threat, he’ll have an impact in that facet of the game as well. If he exceeds that? He’ll be scoring points like Kevin Durant. Obviously, he’s going to be an elite offensive rebounder, and he can dish the rock well enough, too.
His potential in the pick-and-roll is pretty much unlimited, as defenders would have to respect him as the roll man and wouldn’t be able to stop him if he wanted to pop out for a shot. In short, he has the potential to be the best two-way player in the league.
But he does have some shortcomings.