Gilbert Arenas Believes Victor Wembanyama Will Become A GOAT

After a historic rookie season, Wembanyama is having an even better year

The most endless arguments in NBA history is the GOAT debate. While Michael Jordan and LeBron James are the usual names brought up in the discussion, there have been many superstars who built and still are building a solid case for recognition.

One of them is San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama.

On a recent episode of Gilbert Arena’s podcast Gil’s Arena’s, Arena believes Wembayama will soon be included in the GOAT debate.

“When you talk about the people who are considered the GOATs, [Michael] Jordan was still in college at this age. LeBron James, he is in front of, obviously. Kobe, he would be on front of, too. Same thing with Kareem. So, for those type of guys, where he's at, his numbers. We just got to say yes.” - Gilbert Arenas

Last year, Wembanyama established himself as one of the greatest rookies of all time.

His extraordinary abilities on both offense and defense are what separated him from the league. In the 71 games he played last season, he averaged 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.2 steals, and an NBA-leading 3.6 blocks.

Not only did Wembanyama win the Rookie of the Year award, but he also finished second in Defensive Player of the Year voting, behind Rudy Gobert.

As expected, Wembanyama is having a better year this season. Right now, he is averaging a career-high 25.1 points, a career-high 10.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.0 steals, and a career-high 4.0 blocks. He is even improving his 3-point shot as he is logging 3.3 three-pointers a game on 35.4% shooting.

Despite early criticism regarding his offensive efforts this season, Wembanyama has shown that he can be a threat on offense as much as he is on defense.

On Nov. 13, he scored a career-high 50 points against the Washington Wizards. During that game, he shot 62.1% from the field while connecting on eight of his 16 3-point attempts.

There’s no doubt that Wembanayama has improved his execution on offense. If he can continue his two-way style of play, the sky is the limit for him.

Cory Nelson is a contributor to The Lead. He attended Northern Virginia Community College. He can be reached at corymckenzienelson@hotmail.com or follow him on Twitter @CKenzyNelson, Instagram @ckenzynelson, and Threads @ckenzynelson