All The Smoke (DR) / San Antonio Spurs (DR)
By Guillaume K. | Sports journalist
Like last season, Victor Wembanyama is at the heart of many discussions in the NBA microcosm. This time, it’s Grizzlies legend Zach Randolph who gave his opinion on the play of the prodigy of the France team.
In today’s NBA, it’s difficult to know if Zach Randolph would be in his place… Emblematic interior of the Grizzlies version “Grit and Grind”, Z-Bo indeed had a fairly unique profile for the time. He wasn’t the tallest, and yet he always managed to get the better of his opponents on the rebound. He wasn’t the most athletic either, but he was rarely overwhelmed defensively.
And on the other side of the court, it was under the basket that he did most of his damage. Incapable of stopping play and not necessarily very comfortable in distribution, he would undoubtedly have difficulty integrating into a modern system which increasingly demands more versatility from strong wingers and pivots. In fact, he was a bit of the opposite of Victor Wembanyama physically and stylistically.
Zach Randolph discusses the Wembanyama case
During his appearance on Kevin Garnett’s show, Zach Randolph was questioned about this new basketball that is being played today and especially about the profile of the young Spurs prodigy. Unlike many alumni, Z-Bo only had good things to say about the evolution of basketball and interiors. He is impressed.
I have to go see Victor Wembanyama play in real life because he is an exciting talent. He is one of those exceptional players. I like today’s game in the NBA. I like the level the guys are showing on the pitch. In our time no one did what young people do now. The interiors can dribble and put stepbacks. Wemby is 2m24 and dribbles behind the back my brother…
When Zach Randolph arrived in the NBA in 2001, basketball was primarily played inside with his back to the basket. He therefore spent most of his career in the paint, making a difference thanks to his physique and his footwork. He is therefore very impressed to see his successors capable of taking shots from distance and especially of carrying the ball.
Victor Wembanyama is the best example of this versatile generation, he who can do absolutely everything on the pitch. Which doesn’t mean he can’t take inspiration from the former Grizzlies, who learned to dominate by simplifying his game and developing some ultra-effective moves on offense. In any case, Z-Bo can’t wait to see it in real life.
It’s a rare thing, but Victor Wembanyama is unanimous in the NBA, both among current and former players, who are usually very critical of the new generation. This is proof that he is a unique talent.
