2024-10-08 21:43:08
Two weeks before resumption, the NBA revealed the results of its forecast survey of all 30 franchises’ general managers (GMs) on Tuesday. The Frenchman Victor Wembanyama, after his great performances during his debut which made him the rookie of the year, is acclaimed by the American managers. They were asked about 50 different questions in the preseason, from their favorites to win the Eastern or Western conferences to their predictions for various individual awards.
From the first question – “If you were to start a franchise today and could sign any player, who would it be?” » – The 20-year-old San Antonio Spurs pivot is already almost unanimous. 77% of GMs answered Victor Wembanyama, ahead of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City, 10%) and Nikola Jokic (Denver, 10%).
Last season the Serbian interior was used 33%. The No. 1 pick in the 2023 draft also won the vote for the distinction of best defender (40%) ahead of Bam Adebayo (Miami, 10%) and compatriot Rudy Gobert (Minnesota, 10%). Voted second best defenseman behind Rudy Gobert last June, Wemby will be the winner this year (40%) ahead of Rudy (37%) according to GMs.
The former Nanterre and Mets player, Olympic runner-up in August in Paris, also figures in the names cited for the most complete player (3rd, 10%, tied with Jayson Tatum and Kevin Durant), behind the legend LeBron James (20%) and the Greek Giannis Antetokounmpo (30%). If Nikola Jokic, triple MVP of the regular season (2021, 2022 and 2024) remains for the GMs the best non-American player in the NBA with 87%, Wembanyama completes the podium (3%) behind Luka Doncic (10%, Dallas). His high expectations will be confirmed during the 82 games of the regular season or even more if the Spurs manage to at least qualify for the Play-in (top 10).
#Basketball #Victor #Wembanyama #acclaimed #NBA #leaders