2023 NBA Draft Scouting Report: Victor Wembanyama

Scouting Simplified

Written: 4/30/23

Profile:

Position: (C) Center

School: France

Birth Date: 1/05/04

Height: 7'4

Weight: 230

Wingspan: 8-0

Collegiate Stats:

PPG: 21.4 FG%: 46.9% 3pt%: 30.4% FT%: 83.5%

RPG: 9.9

APG: 2.3

BPG: 3.1

SPG: 0.8

TPG: 2.5

MPG: 32.2

Strengths & Weaknesses:

Strengths:

- Exceptional physical tools

- Tremendous upside

- 3-Level scoring ability

- Rim protection/deterrent

Weaknesses:

- Thin frame could lead to physicality issues against well-built big men

- Inconsistent shot selection

- Injury concern?

Extended Analysis & Projection:

There's no doubt about it, Victor Wembanyama is a generational prospect. This smooth-scoring center is a 19-year-old with a three-level scoring playstyle that is Kevin Durant-esque at 7'4. There's almost nothing he can't do on offense. Wembanyama boasts an elite face-up game that extends from the mid-range to the three-point line and has a variety of moves at his disposal to set up his sweet stroke. Add an 8-0 wingspan that's long enough to shoot over any defender, and you've got the makings of an unstoppable scorer.

Flip to the defensive side of the ball, and his tools really stand out. With an average of 3.1 blocks per game, he protects the rim with the best of them. However, his true defensive value goes beyond that number. His massive wingspan is a major deterrent for those daring enough to venture near the paint, consistently turning away guards with a penchant for attacking the rim. Then, while any player that tall can have perimeter defensive concerns, his wingspan and movement abilities help tremendously with recovery plays.

As for weaknesses, even the best of prospects have improvements that can be made. The most obvious is the thin frame Wembanyama carries at just 230 lbs. Beyond injury concerns, larger big men in the league could push him around early in his career until he puts on some weight, but, as mentioned, the wingspan can help negate this. His shot selection can also be inconsistent at times due to his unique playstyle at that size. I don't have much concern here, as NBA coaching and offensive schemes can put him in better positions to utilize his shooting ability or kick to his teammates when he's able to draw multiple defenders, which should be a common occurrence.

As for a comparison, there really hasn't been a prospect with these tools and movement abilities, but I'd say he resembles a taller, longer Chet Holmgren just based on physical tools. Between the physical tools, off the charts upside, and age, this is a cornerstone for the franchise lucky enough to draft him.