Why Victor Wembanyama needs to bulk up before entering the NBA

Does Wembanyama Need More Tools is the question? Victor Wembanyama is widely regarded as the best prospect in the 2023 NBA draft and one of the most talented players of his generation. The 7-foot-4 Frenchman has a rare combination of Hieght, skill, mobility and defensive instincts that make him a nightmare matchup for any opponent. He can shoot from beyond the arc, handle the ball, pass with vision and block shots with ease.

However, there is one glaring weakness in his game that could limit his potential at the next level: his lack of strength. Wembanyama weighs only 209 pounds, which is extremely light for a player of his height. He often struggles to hold his ground against bigger and stronger opponents, especially in the post. He also gets pushed around on the boards and has trouble finishing through contact.

This was evident in his recent performance at the FIBA Under-19 World Cup, where he led France to a silver medal but also faced some tough challenges from other teams. One of them was Team USA, which featured Kenneth Lofton Jr., a 6-foot-7, 275-pound forward who played for Louisiana Tech.

Lofton Jr. dominated Wembanyama in their semifinal matchup, scoring 16 points on 8-of-12 shooting and grabbing 14 rebounds. He used his superior strength and footwork to bully Wembanyama in the paint, backing him down and scoring over him with ease. He also outmuscled him for rebounds and loose balls, making Wembanyama look like a boy among men.

Wembanyama had a decent game, finishing with 22 points, eight rebounds and eight blocks, but he also shot only 8-of-21 from the field and missed seven free throws. He looked frustrated and fatigued by Lofton Jr.’s physicality, and he could not impose his will on the game as he usually does.

This is not to say that Wembanyama is a bad player or that Lofton Jr. is a better prospect. Wembanyama still has a lot more upside and versatility than Lofton Jr., who is unlikely to be drafted by any NBA team due to his lack of height and athleticism. Wembanyama also had some impressive moments against Team USA, such as when he blocked Chet Holmgren’s dunk attempt or when he hit a step-back three-pointer over him.

However, this game showed that Wembanyama needs to work on his body and add some muscle mass before he enters the NBA. He will face even tougher competition in the best league in the world, where players are bigger, stronger and faster than ever. He will have to deal with centers like Joel Embiid, Nikola Jokic and Rudy Gobert, who will not be intimidated by his height or skill.

Wembanyama has all the tools to become a superstar in the NBA, but he also has some areas to improve. He needs to get stronger, more aggressive and more consistent with his shot selection and free throw shooting. If he does that, he will be unstoppable.

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