Victor Wembanyama Responds to Calls for Him to ‘Bulk Up’

The prized NBA draft prospect had a message for those concerned about his size.

NBA draft prospect Victor Wembanyama is widely expected to hear his name called as the first pick on Thursday at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y..

During an interview ahead of the draft, Wembanyama was asked about some of the concerns casted over his ability to endure a full 82-game NBA season at his current size.

The 19-year-old revealed he has no doubts over his capabilities, and when the topic of him bulking up and adding some size ahead of the season was broached, the rookie asked, “Why?” 

“Why? What for? You should tell others to skinny up,” said Wembanyama during an interview with ABC’s Robin Roberts on Wednesday. 

Victor Wembanyama addresses concerns about handling the grueling NBA schedule:

"They can think that because they don't know my work ethic."

Robin: "When someone says bulk up?"

"Why? What for? You should tell others to skinny up." pic.twitter.com/KDU69z2bkm

— Josh Paredes (@Josh810) June 21, 2023

Wembanyama measures in at a staggering 7-foot-4 (without shoes on) and is listed as weighing 229 lbs. He will join Boban Marjanovic (who is listed at 290 pounds) as the tallest players in the league when he makes his debut.

Wembanyama’s slight frame has drawn comparisons to that of Kevin Durant, who at 6-foot-10 has been one of the best players in the league over the last decade and a half, although he’s battled injuries in recent years.

Despite being skinny for his size, Wembanyama is clearly confident in his ability.