SUMMARY
- Victor Wembanyama has averaged more points and rebounds in his rookie season compared to LeBron James.
- Wemby has also been more efficient from the field and three point line.
NBA fans have high praise for Victor Wembanyama after a comparison of his rookie stats with LeBron James‘ first year in the league gained attention. As the majority of the basketball community should be aware, Wemby was the hyped-up draft prospect for this season and was chosen with the first pick of the first round by the San Antonio Spurs.
Due to his incredible height and abilities, Wemby was heralded as a generational talent and as a young star who could potentially measure up to LeBron James. Now that his rookie season has come to an end, fans must certainly be interested in finding out if those beliefs had any basis.
Victor Wembanyama averaged more points and rebounds compared to LeBron James’ rookie season
Most fans will be able to agree that Wemby came into the league with a target painted on his back. After all, he was given a significant amount of attention and hype months before officially declaring for the NBA. The same occurred with LeBron James before he entered the league over two decades ago.
During LeBron’s rookie season with the Cleveland Cavaliers, he averaged 20.9 points, 5.5 rebounds and 5.9 assists per game. King James shot 41% from the field and 29% from the three-point line during his first season in the NBA. In comparison, Wemby has done better this season and has averaged 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 3.9 assists. He has also been more efficient, making 46.5% of his field goals and 32.5% of his three-pointers.
LeBron James became the face of the NBA a few years after his rookie season.
Is Victor Wembanyama destined for the same path? 👀 pic.twitter.com/0FbM1JcGnj
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) April 14, 2024
Upon taking a look at these numbers, it is evident that Wemby has beaten LeBron in all statistical categories with the exception of assists. While the stats certainly seem to be on Wemby’s side, fans are left wondering about the winning impact that the two NBA stars had during their rookie season.
What was the Cavaliers’ record after King James’ first year in the NBA?
Although Victor has been playing at a high level this season, his team has seen little success and currently holds one of the worst records in the Western Conference with 21 wins and 60 losses. This has led to critics claiming that Wemby does not possess a winning effect.