Much like how Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry changed the game with his precise shooting from absurdly long distances, San Antonio Spurs big man Victor Wembanyama is doing the same and ushering in a new era in which a 7’4″ big man can do everything a guard can and so much more.
Even though Wemby has captivated fans and fellow players alike since his arrival in the NBA in 2023, he is now leaving everyone slack-jawed in awe of what he can do. This includes former NBA guard Pat Beverley. Despite being over in Greece, where he is continuing his pro career, Pat Bev continues to keep tabs on the big league and boldly declared that Wemby is the league’s best player.
It’s not Shai Gilgeous-Alexander or Nikola Jokic. Nor is it Luka Doncic or Cade Cunningham. It’s Wembanyama.
A 7’6″ center who’s coming off a flare screen
NBA big men have evolved through the years. Gone are the days of Shaquille O’Neal imposing his will inside the paint, replaced by versatile bigs who can do it all: play in the shaded lane, shoot from beyond the arc, and throw dimes like Magic Johnson. However, Beverley said Wembanyama has taken the center position and made it his own.
“I’m a say this off the rip, and y’all can take this however y’all want to take it,” Beverley said on his show. “Victor Wembanyama is the best player in the NBA. Without a doubt.”
“Without a doubt. I’ve never seen a person in my life block a shot, run down, dunk on you, grab a rebound, hit the guard, come off a flare — I don’t think you hear me — a 7-foot-6 center is coming off a flare screen, shooting a logo three, all net,” he continued, rattling off a sequence of plays that Wemby typically pulls off nightly.
More worrisome for the defense is that there’s nobody they can put on Wemby to stop him from doing whatever he wants.
“You can’t put a point guard on him because they’re too small. You can’t put a two-guard on him because they’re too small. You can’t put a three — a wing — on him because they’re too small. You can’t put a four on him because they’re too small. You can’t put a five on him because they’re too small. And if they are the same size, they’re too slow,” Beverley furthered. “I’ve never seen a prospect like this in my entire life. Like, he’s a real alien.”
Related: Grant Williams explains how taxes influenced his decision to leave Boston: “$54 million in Dallas is really like $58 million in Boston and $63 million in L.A.”
Doing unprecedented things defensively
As deep as Wemby’s offensive bag is, Beverley says that isn’t even what he does best on the basketball court; it’s his defense that truly makes him a transcendent player. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year has led the league in blocks in three straight seasons and is averaging a staggering 4.1 blocks per game in the postseason.
“We not even talking about what he’s doing defensively — averaging almost four blocks. Do you know how hard it is to average four blocks? I think the person under him is like 1.6 or 1.7. That’s like three elite defensive centers rolled into one,” Beverley continued.
The terrifying thought, though, is that Wembanyama is only 22 and has a long way to go to develop his game and physique.
“Imagine Wemby at 26, 27 years old with 15 pounds of muscle,” Beverley warned.
Beverley’s statement is on point. Wembanyama is far from being a finished product, and it won’t be surprising to see him take his game to whole new levels in the years to come. He did it this season after going around the world, looking for avenues to improve every aspect of his game and body. Don’t be surprised if he does it again.
Related: “You gotta stay away from those multi-billionaires” – James Worthy explained why he avoids gambling with Michael Jordan
This story was originally published by Basketball Network on May 15, 2026, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
