Spurs' Victor Wembanyama Has 'Target on His Back,' Says Kevin Garnett
Victor Wembanyama might be the most hyped-up prospect in league history, even more so than LeBron James 20 years ago. He has been touted as the "greatest prospect in history," and the publicity has created lofty expectations for Wembanyama entering his first year.
Although a rookie, Wembanyama will have to play at his best each night the San Antonio Spurs step onto the court. He will be a target for players around the league, and future Hall-of-Famer Kevin Garnett understands the scrutiny Wembanyama will face during the 2023-24 season.
"He’s No. 1. Absolutely, he has a target on his back," Garnett said per Ben Golliver. "Coming from high school, I had a bunch of targets on my back. But that’s part of it.”
As the first high school prospect drafted directly out of high school since Darryl Dawkins and Bill Willoughby in 1975, Garnett sympathizes with the pressure Wembanyama will face as a rookie.
He was drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves with the fifth selection of the 1995 NBA Draft and made an immediate impact at 19 years old.
Garnett has faith that Wembanyama will surpass the lofty expectations as a rookie. The former league MVP said Wembanyama will "be alright" when predicting his rookie competition.
While appearing in two of the Spurs' Las Vegas Summer League games, Wembanyama averaged 18.0 points, 10.0 rebounds and 4.0 blocks on 41 percent shooting from the field.
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