ESPN released their 2025-26 player rankings and it got criticized in a lot of ways. One notable area of concern for many is the no. 5 ranking of San Antonio Spurs big man Victor Wembanyama received. Some think it was too high for someone who hasn’t proven himself in the league.
The no. 1 overall pick of 2023 was listed next to Nikola Jokic (Denver Nuggets), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (OKC Thunder), Luka Doncic (Los Angeles Lakers), and Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks). These players except Luka have won an MVP award and a title. Doncic has multiple First Team honors.
What Wembanyama can boast is his Rookie of the Year Award and getting into the All-Star team this 2025. He was not able to finish the last season either.
So, does he deserve the no. 5 spot? Maybe the people at ESPN has some sort of crystal to predict the future. Critics might change their mind based on one play during the Spurs scrimmage in front of fans.
Wembanyama got the skills but one thing he can improve is his strength. Looks like he got it already after shaking off Luke Corner during a drive to the basket.
Wemby really got stronger, holy pic.twitter.com/tnTpQdImQ0
— Spurs Culture (@SpursCulture) October 4, 2025
Wemby has been busy this summer to prepare for the new season. This includes visiting a shaolin Temple and working out with NBA greats. One of them is Kevin Garnett.
“[Working with KG] was super interesting,” the 21-year-old star said.
“He’s got a very unique perspective on relationships with teammates, opponents, even refs and media. He’s very smart emotionally. He’s got this energy but knows how to channel it and use it for the best.”
Victor Wembanyama reminds people of KD, Shaq, and Giannis
It was just one play but fans are quick to react and feel scared for the rest of the league. Even former NBA player turned commentator Kendrick Perkins was impressed.
Perk: “If Shaq and KD had a baby you get that right there” 😭 https://t.co/x6A7zwVapI pic.twitter.com/dkLPZcMZD3
— Oh No He Didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) October 6, 2025
Wemby acquiring every NBA star’s skillset like infinity stones pic.twitter.com/kkvkg4aCC6
— Build a Parlay (@buildaparlay) October 5, 2025
I wish Giannis and Wemby were in the same conference so that they played more than 2 times a year. It’s obvious Wemby is going to become more Giannis like as he develops his strength. That could become a real rivalry. If you’ve watched them play each other, you get it what I mean https://t.co/Hbb6QadQNR
— Nate Jones (@JonesOnTheNBA) October 5, 2025
the rest of the basketball world watching that wemby dunk https://t.co/4kRdjRL9pp pic.twitter.com/zKNLOBvlLo
— busy 💛 ☝️ (@busyxb) October 5, 2025
Some suggested it was an Antetokounmpo type of play.
Victor Wembantetokounmpo https://t.co/Gdw0lsAGQO
— Joe Knows (@JoeKnowsYT) October 5, 2025
If Wemby gets Giannis strength it may actually be over for the league https://t.co/M8jJCsgnIq
— Matt (@sixringsofsteeI) October 5, 2025
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