ESPN’s Brian Windhorst Explained Why Victor Wembanyama Is Already Ahead of LeBron James

This was some high praise.

Victor Wembanyama’s impending arrival in the NBA is the most anticipated one since LeBron James was drafted 20 years ago. ESPN insider Brian Windhorst, who is most known for his coverage of James over the years, had high praise for Wembanyama, saying the French sensation’s skill set is ahead of where LeBron’s was at this point in his career.

Windhorst, appearing on First Take Thursday, spoke about why Wembanyama is currently more advanced than James was, explaining that the differences are mostly tied to Wembanyama playing in a professional organization the last few years compared to James developing while in high school.

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“When LeBron was in maybe his third or fourth season, he started his trainer come to his house before every game to stretch him out… Victor has been doing that for a year,” Windhorst said. “Victor’s regimens and stuff are stuff LeBron was doing in year two or three.”

"I think [Wembanyama's] skill set ... is ahead of where LeBron was at the same age."

👀 @windhorstespn pic.twitter.com/7qjqpb8oF0

— First Take (@FirstTake) June 22, 2023

The primary thing that separates James as a rookie from Wembanyama, according to Windhorst, is his size. James was 245 pounds when he entered the NBA, while Wembanyama’s slight frame is perhaps the only knock on him as a prospect.

“Nobody pushed [LeBron] around with the exception of Ron Artest,” Windhorst said. “Victor is going to get pushed around a lot.”

Either way, it’s high praise from a man who has seen a lot of both LeBron and Wembanyama play.