Game-Changer: The Most Transformative Draft Pick of 2020-2024 Draft
Victor Wembanyama is a league-defining draft pick
By: Eric Lambkins II
Like Thanos, Victor Wembanyama is inevitable.
Certain moments stand out like vivid brushstrokes on a masterpiece in the kaleidoscope of NBA history. Victor Wembanyama's arrival into the league is undoubtedly one of those strokes, an event that has the potential to redefine the game itself.
Reflecting on his journey so far, it becomes evident that Wembanyama is not just living up to his hype; he's setting new standards, possibly surpassing even the more memorable draft picks of previous eras, such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, and LeBron James.
The basketball world was captivated when the San Antonio Spurs announced Wembanyama's name at the 2023 NBA Draft. At a towering 7-foot 4 inch with an 8-foot wingspan, Wembanyama's pterodactyl-like physical stature is awe-inspiring.
But as any basketball enthusiast knows, size is just the beginning. The combination of skill, agility, and versatility sets a player apart. And in Wembanyama's case, it's a combination that is truly one of a kind. From the outset, Wembanyama's preseason highlights were nothing short of spectacular. It was as if we were witnessing the birth of a new breed of player.
Here was a giant who moved with the grace of a guard, shot with the precision of a sniper, and defended the rim with the tenacity of a seasoned shot-blocker. His regular season stats have only cemented his status as a phenom: leading his team in points, rebounds, steals, and blocks while playing a mere 28.9 minutes per game. It's a stat line that defies logic and underscores his extraordinary impact on the court.
It's impossible not to draw parallels between Wembanyama's rookie season and those of NBA legends like Shaquille O'Neal, David Robinson, Larry Bird, and Michael Jordan. These players left an indelible mark on the league from day one, and Wembanyama is following in their footsteps. His unique blend of attributes allows him to dominate in rarely-seen ways. For instance, his nine-block game earlier this season demonstrated his defensive prowess and potential for achieving quadruple-doubles.
It's also worth noting the significant improvements in his game. His shooting has evolved remarkably, boasting over 40% accuracy on pull-up threes. His defensive skills have sharpened, making him a formidable presence in the paint, while his passing has developed to the point where he's not just making plays but enhancing the performance of his teammates. This progression is reminiscent of the growth trajectories of the all-time greats and is a testament to his dedication and work ethic.
Despite the San Antonio Spurs' current challenges, Wembanyama's brilliance shines through. The team's struggles only serve to highlight his achievements. His performance mirrors that of Nikola Jokic with the Denver Nuggets, where Jokic's true potential was unlocked when the team built the right support system around him. With the Spurs' promising future opportunities in draft picks and cap space, they are in a prime position to do the same for Wembanyama. And when that happens, we could witness Wembanyama becoming the cornerstone of a championship-contending team.
Reflecting on his rookie season, Wembanyama's unprecedented combination of physical and skill attributes is a marvel. His ability to handle the ball like a guard, shoot from deep, and protect the rim is a blend we've never seen before in someone his size. Leading the Spurs in multiple categories, he also tops the NBA in blocks per game—a feat that, if trends continue, will make him the first rookie to lead the league in that category since Manute Bol in 1986.
Comparisons to historic rookies emphasize his unique impact. Shaquille O'Neal and David Robinson transformed their teams from mediocrity to competitiveness, while Larry Bird and Magic Johnson sparked immediate turnarounds in their franchises. Despite their record, Wembanyama's influence on the Spurs suggests a similar trajectory. His versatility, including his ability to make threes and dish out assists, adds layers to his game, making him a nightmare for opposing coaches. They don't have an answer for a 7-foot-4-inch player doing what he does.
The 7-foot-4-inch Frenchman's compelling journey is not just about his on-court prowess but also his growth potential. His rookie dominance is just the beginning. With a better supporting cast, the sky's the limit. Imagine him surrounded by players who complement his strengths and cover his weaknesses, much like the Nuggets did for Jokic. The thought alone is enough to ignite the imagination of any basketball fan.
For those of us who have followed his career from the draft to his first NBA games, Wembanyama's rise reminds us why we love basketball. It's the promise of greatness, the thrill of the unexpected, and the joy of watching a player who seems destined to leave an indelible mark on the sport. His performances evoke a sense of nostalgia, recalling the early days of Jordan, Bird, and Magic. Yet, his style is refreshingly modern, perfectly blending old-school dominance and new-age versatility.
Wembanyama's rookie season is more than just stats and highlights; it's a narrative of potential and promise. His ability to impact the game on so many levels, from scoring and rebounding to defense and playmaking, sets him apart from any other draft pick in recent years. It's not just that he's good; he has the potential to be historically significant. Watching him play, you get the sense that you're witnessing the beginning of something extraordinary that will reshape the NBA.
In a constantly evolving league, Wembanyama is a future beacon. He represents the next step in the evolution of basketball, a player who can do it all and then some. His rookie season is a testament to his extraordinary talent and work ethic, but more importantly, it's a glimpse into what could be a career for the ages.
So, as we watch Wembanyama continue to develop, we do so with a sense of awe and excitement. We marvel at his every move, knowing that each game brings him closer to fulfilling his immense potential. In Victor Wembanyama, we see the future of basketball, and it's a future that looks incredibly bright.
Anthony Edwards may be the next face of American basketball
By Mykell Mathieu
The NBA is starting to see a shift as some of the best players of the past era are coming to the end of their careers. Some of the best American players like LeBron James, Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, and others are close to the end of their historic runs, allowing for new players to rise to
American basketball needs a new face, and it may have found it in the 2020 NBA Draft's number one overall pick, Anthony Edwards. Edwards has been the most impactful draft pick in the last four years, and his greatness on and off the court has elevated the Minnesota Timberwolves and himself to higher heights.
I know many of you will kill me and say what about Wemby? Victor Wembanyama is an amazing talent with a bright future, but his career is so fresh, and we have yet to see him play in the postseason. His time will come, but right now, it's all about Ant.
Though the Timberwolves look like they will lose in the Western Conference Finals against the Dallas Mavericks, Edwards has been one of the biggest stars of this season and the postseason.
The 22-year-old from Georgia has been compared to all-time greats like Dwyane Wade, Kobe Bryant, and even the GOAT Michael Jordan with his play.
His ability to dominate and affect the game on both offense and defense can't be overlooked. Edwards made his second All-Star team this season and was named to the All-NBA second team.
Edwards led Minnesota to an upset series win against the defending champion Denver Nuggets & three-time MVP Nikola Jokic.
From the winning numbers to the ESPN top ten dunks, all the praise Edwards is receiving is warranted.
Before drafting Edwards, the Timberwolves were 19-45, with no excitement around them. After a tough first year with the team, Minnesota has been a young team on the rise behind the growth of their star player. From 19 wins to a 56-win squad with hopes of reaching the Finals in the near future.
He is what most NBA fans expected Zion Williamson to be—a high flyer who stays healthy and dominates the game of basketball.
His charisma and star power have also led to Edwards shining away from the court. He has one of the best sneakers with the AE1s that fans are raving about, and the skies are the limit for the young stud.
He will have a chance to show the world more of his game and aura when he travels to Paris, France, for the Olympics this coming July. If Edwards excels in France, his star will blossom to another level.
With so many talented young players in the league, Edwards looks to have placed his name near the top with his play and impact on winning.
American basketball needs a new hero, and Anthony Edwards is HIM.
Anthony Edwards: The New Rising Star of the NBA
by Jackie Rae
In a surprising turn of events, I agree with one of my colleagues. I can’t deny Victor Wembanyama's talent, but I am not ready to say he is the most impactful draft pick in the last four years.
As a die-hard LeBron James fan, I have been looking for a player who could measure up to the awe-inspiring nature of King James. While I'd hoped that torch could be passed to Zion Williamson, that notion was weighted down by poor diet, lack of discipline, and injuries.
Then, a ray of light came as the number one draft pick in 2020. Selected first overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves, Anthony Edwards has rapidly ascended to stardom, displaying a blend of athleticism, skill, and charisma that sets him apart from his contemporaries.
One of his most striking attributes is his leadership. Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch immediately recognized this, last year telling Yahoo Sports, "A lot of times guys in the league are competitive or could be jealous of teammates' success, but that's not Ant. He's very, very pure and hopes for the best for all of his teammates."
It's easy to root for your teammates when you have complete confidence in yourself. Edwards has every reason to be fearless. Standing at 6'4" with a powerful build, he combines speed, strength, and leaping ability in a way that few players can match. His explosive dunks and acrobatic finishes around the rim have become a staple of highlight reels, drawing comparisons to some of the greatest athletes in the sport's history.
Of course, this makes for great basketball television, making Edwards fun to watch. He wasted no time making his mark in the NBA. In his rookie season, he averaged 19.3 points per game, showcasing a scoring prowess that belied his youth. His performances earned him a spot on the NBA All-Rookie First Team and placed him as a runner-up for the Rookie of the Year award. What's more impressive is his trajectory; each season has seen Edwards take significant strides in his game, a testament to his work ethic and dedication to improvement.
A lot of players perfect what they have done when they enter the league. It's not until later in their career that they try to expand their level of play. Not Edwards. He has improved his shooting consistency, becoming a legitimate threat from beyond the arc. His ball-handling and court vision have also evolved, allowing him to create opportunities not just for himself but for his teammates as well. This evolution has created a beautiful relationship with Karl Anthony-Towns. Together, they will undoubtedly become a duo that other teams will have to plan entire schemes around.
Off the court, Anthony Edwards has shown a charismatic personality, making him a marketable star. His candid interviews and vibrant persona resonate with fans and media alike, enhancing his visibility and marketability.
Even Kyrie Irving took notice during the Wolves playoff matchup against the Dallas Mavericks, saying, "As a peer, man, I love that. It's nothing better. When Ant was a little younger, I'm sure he was watching me, and when he was in high school, I was watching him. For me, it's more of those exciting matchups that I look forward to… and that no-fear mentality that he has is why I love him."
Edwards' skill, leadership, and marketability make him the best draft pick of the last four years. As he continues to refine his game and lead the Timberwolves, there is no ceiling to what he can achieve. Edwards is not just a star in the making; he is already shining brightly, i