Welcome to a Joey Barrett scouting report. I have been watching games and film all season and it is finally time to compile my thoughts into scouting reports, mock drafts, and more big boards. So far this draft cycle I have written two big boards, a mock draft, and many miscellaneous articles that I encourage you to check out!
For my first scouting report, I’ll be doing the prize of the draft, the future #1 overall pick…Victor Wembanyama!
To see my overall and detailed thoughts, read until the end.
In one of the best leagues in the world Wembanyama is…
1st in PPG
1st in RPG
1st in BPG (by a lot)
2nd in MPG
1st in FG Made
2nd in FT Made
Strengths
Fluidity and Size Combination
7’5 moves like he is 6’9
Shot Blocking
Spectacular instincts and 8’0 wingspan make him the best shot blocking prospect I have ever seen
Defensive Versatility
Lateral quickness and size allows him to play in switching schemes (any defensive scheme)
Offensive Upside
Has 25+ PPG upside
Shot Making
Unblockable, when he rises up he gets the shot off
Three Point Shooting Potential
1.5 3PG
82.9% from free throw line
Offensive Creativity
Tries and converts on some crazy moves (3 point floater)
Post Play
Great touch around the rim
Great footwork
High Basketball IQ
Very aware of who he is
Good head on shoulders
Frame can add some weight
Rebounding (No Surprise)
Playmaking Flashes
Tight Handle
Weaknesses
Injury Potential
Every single NBA player that was above 7’5 had injury problems
Vic has been durable this year but betting against him getting injured is betting against history and potentially science
A lot of offense is just “potential” at this point
30.4% from 3
Is given a ridiculous amount of opportunities, the team was built this year for him to succeed
Post defense
Length could make this a null factor but could get pushed around first few years
Bad playmaker
Best Potential Fits: Trail Blazers, Pistons, Spurs, Pacers
Worst Potential Fits: Rockets, Wizards (they will be on everyone’s list)
Shades Of: Ralph Sampson (the best one), Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Hakeem Olajuwon, and Kevin Durant (yes I am serious)
Best Game: 11/4/22 Vs Limoges
Points
Rebounds
Assists
Steals
Blocks
FG
3PT
FT
TO
33
12
4
0
3
10/17
3/8
10/12
2
Worst Game: 1/18/23 @Fos
Points
Rebounds
Assists
Steals
Blocks
FG
3PT
FT
TO
11
7
0
0
4
4/12
1/7
2/2
5
Best 5 Games Stretch: 10/29/22-12/2/22 @Bourg-en-bresse, Nancy, Vs Limoges, Nanterre, Fos
Points
Rebounds
Assists
Steals
Blocks
FG%
3P%
FT%
TO
29.6
11.2
2.4
0.4
3.6
55.2%
29.6%
78.6%
3.2
Overall Thoughts
This draft is viewed as a great draft and Victor Wembanyama is the main reason. Wembanyama is the greatest European prospect of all time and has a real argument against LeBron, Wilt, Kareem, and Russell for the greatest prospect ever. At 7’5, Wembanyama looks like a video game character, especially when you consider his perimeter skills. The offense looks fun and makes for great highlights but his defense will be the biggest factor in his success.
On top of his size and 8-foot wingspan, Wembanyama has truly special defensive instincts. Outside of being a shot blocker Vic also has the foot speed to keep up on the perimeter. To simplify it, Wembanyama is Rudy Gobert if he could guard switches on the perimeter.
The offense is fun and I do think eventually it will be awesome but earlier in his career it will be inconsistent. Vic played on a team this season that gave him as many touches as he wants and was designed to showcase him. That is okay but it won’t work like that in the NBA if winning is the priority it should be.
My only concern stopping Wembanyama from being a Hall of Famer is the history of players his size and injuries. With that being said Wembanyama will finish this season playing about 40 games (more than college players) without any real injuries. It is also worth noting, Wembanyama is aware of this and has a complex and sophisticated pre-game and off-season workout plan to reduce the odds of injury. My prediction is listed below but I am not worried about Vic and think there shouldn’t be anything near a debate for who should go #1.
Career Projection: 14x All-Star, 2x MVP, Best Player for 3 Titles, 3x DPOY, Top 20 Player in NBA History (I am not crazy, you are)
