Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic has heaped praise on San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama, claiming the Frenchman will ‘change’ the game of basketball.
Wembanyama was selected by San Antonio with the first overall pick at this year’s NBA draft.
The rookie is still only 20 but, speaking at All-Star weekend, Jokic said Wembanyama’s influence will become clear in time.
‘I like his approach. He really cares – he’s not scared of getting tired, or getting “embarrassed” in some moments,’ said Jokic.
‘He just plays and wants to win the game. He’s playing 100 per cent and you can see he’s doing a lot of things on the court. So he’s a really good player.
Nuggets center Nikola Jokic believes Spurs star Victor Wembanyama will ‘change the game’
Wembanyama has averaged 20.5 points and 10 rebounds through 49 games this season
‘I’ve already said it – I think he’s going to change the game and we just need to give him time and witness (it).’
Wembanyama has averaged 20.5 points and 10 rebounds through 49 games since joining the NBA this season.
During their one head-to-head matchup this year, Wembanyama enjoyed a decent game against the reigning NBA Finals MVP – he recorded 22 points and 11 rebounds in the Spurs’ 132-120 loss to Denver back on November 26.
San Antonio’s rookie participated in the Rising Stars challenge during All-Star weekend
Despite the solid offensive performance, however, the rookie was unable to slow down Jokic who nearly recorded a triple-double with 39 points, 11 rebounds, and nine assists.
Although he was not selected to this year’s All-Star game, Wembanyama did partake in his first Rising Stars Challenge on Friday night.
He had mixed results – Wembanyama scored 11 points in the second of the night’s three games but was eliminated in his first All-Star contest.
Wembanyama was five of six from the field but also committed five turnovers.
