Stephen A. Smith is a well-respected NBA analyst who has developed quite a reputation for himself. A reputation that has presented him with some wonderful opportunities. One of which he took on Draft night, where he got to meet 2023 No.1 draft pick Victor Wembanyama. Revealing his reaction to the meeting, Stephen A. discussed Wemby’s height, claiming he could be taller than Yao Ming while joking that his own hairline seemed to recede when standing next to him. But, jokes aside, Smith also had some doubts about the French stars, especially with regard to his physical frame. A frame he believes only players like Kevin Durant can thrive with.

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The selection of Wembanyama has many believing that the San Antonio Spurs have landed a generational talent. And, the hype surrounding him was huge. Some may even say he was a prospect that surpassed LeBron James in 2003 and Zion Williamson in 2019. So, with everyone watching him, it’s safe to say expectations are high.

Stephen A. Smith shares concerns about 2023 first-overall pick Victor Wembanyama

Victor Wembanyama is the talk of the town. The French center is a prospect that many believe could be the next big thing, and with a team like the San Antonio Spurs and coach Gregg Popovich that could turn into reality.

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However, there are some concerns regarding the player many NBA superstars have dubbed “The Alien”. In fact, Stephen A. Smith who had the pleasure of meeting Wemby recently outlined some of them. In particular, his rather lanky frame.

Stephen A. joked about what it was like standing next to Wembanyama, and how he felt his hairline receded three feet in front of him. He also suggested that the center may be taller than Hall of Famer Yao Ming. But, what was most noticeable to Smith was Wemby’s physique. He believes that his lanky frame could prove to be a problem that the Spurs may want to address, especially if he isn’t a Kevin Durant-type player.

“When you consider how tall he was and you imagine his ball-handling skills, his shooting ability, his talent, the only thing you could say is, ‘Boy is he real thin!’ And they are going to get physical with him and we’re gonna see what happens. Gergg Popvich and those boys in San Antonio are going to have to figure out a way to protect him, get some meat and potato brothers around him. Make sure you put some meat and potatoes on him. If he doesn’t want to gain weight, make sure he changes his mind, because you ain’t going to last long in the NBA being that damn thin. Unless you Kevin Durant-esque, which some people say he is. I have to see that to believe that.”

There is some truth to what Stephen A. has said. Wembanyama certainly is an intriguing player and while he is technically sound, Popovich and the Spurs will need to work on his physique.

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Wembanyama needs to gain weight if he wishes to thrive in the NBA

Many people believe Victor Wembanyama could be a player similar to Kevin Durant. However, banking on this hope would be a grave mistake by Gregg Popovich and the San Antonio Spurs. History has shown that lanky players generally struggle in the NBA, given how physical the game is.

So, rather than turn him into the next KD, it might make more sense to guide Wemby down a path similar to Giannis Antetokounmpo. The center would do well to gain some muscle mass much like how the Greek Freak did.

That being said, at the end of the day Wembanyama is an incredibly talented player. If all goes well, he should have a long and prosperous career as an NBA superstar.

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