Victor Wembanyama vs. LeBron James vs. Kevin Durant Rookie Full Comparison
Victor Wembanyama’s rookie debut has been more than impressive, to say the least. We are seeing why he might be the most hyped prospect in NBA history because he is showcasing an elite mix of size, athleticism, and all-around impact that we haven’t seen before. There hasn’t been a 7’4” center who has guard-like skills before.
The most impressive example of what Victor Wembanyama can do came against Kevin Durant and the Phoenix Suns on Thursday night when he poured in 38 points on 57.7% shooting from the field. As great as Wemby has been, how does he compare to two other elite rookies in their time: LeBron James and Kevin Durant?
In the realm of basketball royalty, we find a living legend, a four-time NBA champion, and an enduring symbol of excellence. His name resonates with greatness, and we pay homage to the one and only King, LeBron James. At the same time, we shine the spotlight on a remarkable talent, celebrated for his unmatched scoring prowess and a two-time NBA champion. He is a true embodiment of the art of scoring, and we recognize the extraordinary Kevin Durant.
It is time to compare Victor Wembanyama as a rookie in terms of pure basketball skills and intangibles to the great LeBron James and Kevin Durant for an all-time great rookie season comparison. By analyzing Wembanyama so far and seeing how James and Durant were in their rookie seasons, we can name the best rookie out of the bunch.
Scoring
1. Kevin Durant (3 Points)
2. LeBron James (2 Points)
3. Victor Wembanyama (1 Point)
Kevin Durant stands as the preeminent scorer in this comparison. His scoring repertoire is unmatched, as he can effortlessly put up points from all areas of the court. Durant's long-range shooting, mid-range precision, and the capability to drive to the basket make him a formidable offensive force, and that was the case in his rookie season. Durant averaged 20.3 points per game in his Rookie of the Year campaign.
LeBron James also possessed remarkable scoring abilities, albeit in a different style compared to Durant in his rookie season. His strength and athleticism made him a force to be reckoned with when driving to the basket, and his ability to finish through contact is noteworthy. LeBron was not solely a scorer but also an elite playmaker, often creating opportunities for his teammates. James still averaged 20.9 points per game in his rookie campaign with the Cleveland Cavaliers but did not have Durant’s offensive repertoire.
Victor Wembanyam is still in the early stages of his career. While his towering height provides advantages in the paint and shot-blocking, his offensive skill set is a work in progress. He has the potential to become a more well-rounded scorer as he gains experience and refines his game. He can shoot over any defender and is averaging 20.6 points per game so far, but he is very slightly below Durant and James in raw scoring acumen right now.
Shooting
1. Kevin Durant (3 Points)
2. Victor Wembanyama (2 Points)
3. LeBron James (1 Point)
Kevin Durant, with a perfect score of three points in the shooting category, is an embodiment of shooting excellence. When it comes to pure shooting, Durant is in a class of his own, a marksman who can turn any game in his favor with his incredible accuracy. Even if a rookie Durant only shot 43.0% from the field, his stroke was certainly consistent and difficult to alter.
Victor Wembanyama, earning two points in the shooting category, is a rookie who is turning heads with his evolving shooting prowess. Despite his towering height, Wembanyama is showcasing the potential to stretch the floor with his shooting. While he is still a work in progress in this department, his willingness to expand his range and his early signs of success are promising and he is averaging 50.0% from the field so far although most of his buckets are around the rim.
LeBron James, earning one point in the shooting category, is a player whose impact goes far beyond his shooting abilities. While he may not be known for his shooting prowess like Durant, LeBron compensates for it with his multifaceted contributions. We saw that in his early years, and his jumper was terribly inconsistent and does not compare to Durant and Wembanyama in that sense.
Athleticism
1. Victor Wembanyama (3 Points)
2. LeBron James (2 Points)
3. Kevin Durant (1 Point)
Victor Wembanyama earns the top spot in the athleticism category. Standing at an impressive 7’4”, he possesses remarkable agility, speed, and explosiveness for a player of his size. His ability to run the floor, contest shots, and even handle the ball at his height is truly exceptional. Wembanyama's athleticism, combined with his towering presence, sets him apart as a highly unique and versatile player.
James, often referred to as one of the most athletic players in the history of the NBA, secures the second position. His combination of size, strength, and speed is a sight to behold. LeBron's athleticism has allowed him to dominate on both ends of the floor, whether it's driving to the basket, making highlight-reel dunks, or playing lockdown defense. As a rookie, James was a full-grown man but did not have the natural height of Wembanyama.
Lastly, Durant, while an extraordinary player, didn’t possess the same level of athleticism as the other two in his rookie season. He relied more on skill and finesse than raw physical prowess. Durant's height and wingspan are assets, but his game is less defined by explosive athleticism and more by his shooting ability, ball-handling skills, and basketball IQ.
Defense
1. Victor Wembanyama (3 Points)
2. LeBron James (2 Points)
3. Kevin Durant (1 Point)
In the realm of defense, Victor Wembanyama's contributions are paramount, earning him the top spot with three points. As his rookie season unfolds, Wembanyama has his shot-blocking prowess and an innate ability to alter opponents' shots in the paint. His imposing size, incredible shot-blocking timing, and rim-protecting capabilities make him a formidable defensive force from the very start of his career. So far, he is posting 1.4 steals and 2.2 blocks per game.
LeBron James, who secured second place with two points, had established himself as a versatile defender throughout his illustrious career. His combination of size, speed, and basketball IQ allowed him to guard multiple positions effectively. While he was not as great on defense as he was with the Miami Heat later on, James’ athleticism helped him on defense as a rookie.
Kevin Durant, who trailed in third place with one point in the defense category, was primarily recognized for his offensive prowess rather than his defensive contributions. While he certainly had the tools to be a solid defender, his focus and reputation were more centered around his scoring abilities and only became known as a great defender once he arrived at the Golden State Warriors.
Handles
1. LeBron James (3 Points)
2. Kevin Durant (2 Points)
3. Victor Wembanyama (1 Point)
In terms of ball-handling skills, LeBron James exhibited exceptional prowess, securing the top spot in this category with three points during his rookie season. His dribbling ability was a cornerstone of his offensive repertoire, allowing him to navigate through defenses with grace and create scoring opportunities for both himself and his teammates. Even if he got better, James’ was a natural floor general and ball-handler as soon as he arrived in the NBA.
Kevin Durant, who earned two points, was also known for his impressive ball-handling skills during his rookie campaign. His ability to maneuver with the basketball and create his own shot was a significant part of his scoring arsenal. Durant's ball-handling, while not as renowned as LeBron's, added a layer of versatility to his game, enabling him to excel in one-on-one situations and isolate plays even as a 19-year-old kid.
As for Victor Wembanyama, he continues to develop his ball-handling abilities as a promising rookie in the league. While not at the same level as LeBron or Durant during their careers, that is only down to the fact that he is a 7’4” center with long arms. He is considered above-average for his height and position already, which is why he is so hyped, but it would be unfair to place him ahead of James and Durant who were essentially guards in their rookie season.
Clutch
1. Kevin Durant (3 Points)
2. LeBron James (2 Points)
3. Victor Wembanyama (1 Point)
It is hard for any rookie to be clutch but we will focus on the intangibles that made them great in the clutch. In the domain of clutch performance, Kevin Durant, with a perfect score of three points, was an absolute maestro during his career. His ability to rise to the occasion in critical moments and deliver game-changing shots made him one of the most clutch players in the history of the sport.
Durant's remarkable composure under pressure, combined with his scoring versatility, allowed him to consistently come through when his team needed him most, earning him a reputation as a clutch legend.
LeBron James, who secured the second spot with two points, was no stranger to clutch moments during his illustrious career. Throughout his playing years, LeBron showcased his ability to make crucial plays, whether it be a game-winning shot, a timely assist, or a defensive stop in pivotal situations. His leadership and basketball IQ often came to the forefront during clutch moments, making him a player you could count on when the stakes were high.
For Victor Wembanyama, in the present tense, clutch performances are yet to be fully established as he begins his rookie journey. While he has displayed promise in various aspects of the game, the development of his clutch abilities will likely evolve as he gains experience and adapts to the pressure-cooker situations of the NBA.
Leadership
1. LeBron James (3 Points)
2. Victor Wembanyama (2 Points)
3. Kevin Durant (1 Point)
In the realm of leadership, LeBron James, with a perfect score of three points, exemplified unparalleled leadership qualities throughout his Rookie of the Year season. His ability to inspire and lead both on and off the court set him apart as one of the greatest leaders in the history of the game. By the time of his debut, James showed that he was a natural leader who elevated the play of others around him and he takes this category with ease.
Victor Wembanyama, earning two points, is currently demonstrating promising leadership qualities in the present tense as a young and emerging talent in the league. While he is still in the early stages of his career, Wembanyama's ability to motivate and influence those around him is becoming evident. Thanks to Wemby alone, the San Antonio Spurs are in the spotlight and actually winning games including two against the Phoenix Suns so far.
Kevin Durant, who secured one point, was recognized for his contributions on the court but didn't have the same level of leadership impact as LeBron and Wembanyama. His leadership, while respected, was not as prominent as his scoring and basketball abilities. Durant came into the NBA as a pure scorer and his leadership qualities developed with time.
Basketball IQ
1. LeBron James (3 Points)
2. Victor Wembanyama (2 Points)
3. Kevin Durant (1 Point)
When it comes to basketball IQ, LeBron James, with a perfect score of three points, stands out as a true maestro of the game. Even as a rookie, he consistently made high-level decisions, whether it was orchestrating plays, finding open teammates, or making crucial defensive stops. LeBron's IQ extended beyond individual play, as he had a remarkable sense of the game's ebb and flow, making him a perennial force.
Victor Wembanyama’s potential is through the roof. He is demonstrating burgeoning basketball IQ as he embarks on his rookie journey. His ability to grasp the intricacies of the game and make intelligent decisions on the court is notable for a player of his age and experience. He couldn’t be in a better spot than San Antonio because Gregg Popovich will teach him how to be as smart as Tim Duncan was.
Kevin Durant, who secured one point, was celebrated for his scoring ability but did not have the same level of basketball IQ impact as LeBron and Wembanyama. His role on the court was more focused on execution, and his basketball IQ was not as prominently featured in his playing years compared to the other two in this category.
Impact
1. LeBron James (3 Points)
2. Victor Wembanyama (2 Points)
3. Kevin Durant (1 Point)
In terms of impact during their respective rookie seasons, LeBron James, earning three points, made an immediate and enduring impact on the NBA that is still felt today. James displayed exceptional maturity and ability to elevate his team's performance. LeBron's combination of scoring, playmaking, and defense was instrumental in turning around his team's fortunes, and he set the stage for a career of greatness.
Presently, Victor Wembanyama is demonstrating a remarkable impact as a rookie. His two points in this category represent his immediate influence on the game. Wembanyama's towering presence and shot-blocking ability have made him a defensive force in the league, altering opponents' shots and providing a strong defensive foundation for his team. His impact, although in the early stages of his career, is palpable and has raised the expectations for his future in the NBA.
For Kevin Durant, during his rookie season, his impact was less pronounced compared to LeBron and Wembanyama. He showed promise but did not have the same level of immediate influence on the league. Durant was celebrated for his scoring potential as a scorer but we weren’t sure of his all-around skills when compared to the other two.
Efficiency
1. Victor Wembanyama (3 Points)
2. LeBron James (2 Points)
3. Kevin Durant (1 Points)
In terms of efficiency during their respective rookie seasons, Victor Wembanyama, earning a perfect score of three points in this category, showcases remarkable efficiency in the present tense. He is doing everything right, nailing 50.0% from the floor, averaging 8.0 rebounds, and also chipping in 20.6 points per game on 32.0% shooting from three.
Meanwhile, LeBron James earned two points for his efficiency during his rookie season. Even in his early years, he exhibited a high level of efficiency on the court, blending scoring, playmaking, and defense seamlessly. LeBron's rookie season marked the beginning of a career defined by his ability to make efficient as he averaged 5.9 assists per game but also had 3.5 turnovers per game and only shot 41.7% from the field, 29.0% from three, and 75.4% from the stripe.
Kevin Durant, who earned one point, was recognized for his scoring abilities during his rookie season. While he showed promise, his efficiency, especially in terms of shot selection and overall game impact, was not as advanced as the other two. He was a high-volume scorer early on which is why he only shot 43.0% from the floor and 28.8% from three, and he was not as efficient as the 7’4” big man or the playmaking James when it came to creating offense for himself or others.
1-On-1 Game
1. Kevin Durant (3 Points)
2. Victor Wembanyama (2 Points)
3. LeBron James (1 Point)
In the realm of one-on-one basketball during their respective rookie seasons, Kevin Durant, with a perfect score of three points, displayed an extraordinary ability to dominate in such scenarios. His one-on-one game was characterized by his scoring versatility, silky-smooth jumper, and the capacity to create his own shot against defenders. Durant's rookie season marked the beginning of what would become a legendary career in one-on-one matchups.
In the present tense, Victor Wembanyama, with two points, is showcasing a promising one-on-one game as a rookie. His towering height, combined with emerging offensive skills and shot-blocking prowess, makes him a formidable presence on the court in one-on-one situations.
LeBron James, who secured one point, faced challenges in the one-on-one game during his rookie season. In many ways, James was still refining his individual skills. LeBron's strengths were more focused on his versatility and ability to make plays for his team, rather than thriving in one-on-one situations.
Who Is The Best Rookie?
1. LeBron James - 24 Points
2. Victor Wembanyama - 22 Points
3. Kevin Durant - 20 Points
LeBron James, with 24 points, emerges as the top choice for the best rookie out of the three. He showcased an unprecedented all-around talent, as he not only had the ball in his hands constantly but also possessed the ability to make plays, score, and lead his team. His exceptional passing skills, combined with natural leadership qualities, set him apart. LeBron's arrival in the NBA generated tremendous hype, and he exceeded those expectations by putting Cleveland on the map and winning 35 games as a rookie, despite not making the playoffs.
Victor Wembanyama, with 22 points, displayed immense defensive potential and a towering presence on the court. His unique height and shot-blocking ability make him an unstoppable force in the making. However, his transition from France to the NBA means he has room for growth, particularly in terms of leadership skills and physical development, to adapt to the American style of play.
Kevin Durant, with 20 points, was a scoring sensation but was slightly behind in this comparison. His rookie focus on scoring, his thin build, and his somewhat reserved demeanor left room for growth in areas like passing and defense. While Durant would go on to become a scoring juggernaut, his rookie season was characterized by a more one-dimensional style.
In the end, while all three rookies brought remarkable talents to the league, LeBron James' all-around game, leadership, and impact on his team made him the standout choice as the best rookie. Wembanyama also slightly edges Durant due to incredible defensive potential and dominance through size as we are seeing.
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