San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama is one of the most uniquely built athletes. The 20-year-old is dubbed “The Alien” by many since he is listed at 7’4″ and 210 pounds.
Wembanyama is coming off a successful debut NBA season, averaging 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.2 steals, and a league-leading 3.6 blocks in 71 regular season games. He won the NBA Rookie of the Year award and was third in the NBA Defensive Player of the Year race.
But while the world is Wembanyama’s oyster, former NBA enforcer Paul Mokeski has a stern warning for the young Frenchman regarding his long-term health.
“The human body is not made to be so tall,” said Mokeski in an interview with San Antonio Spurs reporter Dusty Garza. “From Darryl Dawkins and Moses Malone to Earl Cureton, Wilt Chamberlain, and Jack Haley, they all died from heart-related problems. This is what happens with tall players like me who played in the NBA. We notice the former tall players who have passed away and how they died. Yes, it is a concern.”
Mokeski, a 13-year NBA veteran at 7’0″ and 255 pounds, also credited Wembanyama’s dedication to training and proper nutrition.
“When you look at his training, he has taken it to the extreme. Yoga, stretching, and all that. We didn’t do those things. I wish we had. He will have far fewer problems due to training and knowledge about it. I am less worried about someone like him now than, say, 25 years ago. He will be much better off than I was,” he added.
Victor Wembanyama is gearing up for the 2024-25 NBA season for the San Antonio Spurs
Victor Wembanyama had a busy summer, leading France to win their second consecutive Olympic silver medal during the Paris Games. The San Antonio Spurs hope he will take another big leap in his sophomore season, as they’re coming off a forgettable 2023-24 campaign with a 22-60 record.
The San Antonio Spurs brought in veterans Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes this offseason to help Victor Wembanyama’s development.
