Tag: Kevin Durant

  • Wemby is One of a Kind

    Wemby is One of a Kind

    Victor Wembanyama has begun his NBA career.

    He is one of a kind.

    Primetime television absolutely loves him.

    Wemby played his first game against the Dallas Mavericks and lost, but eventually rose to his feet against the Houston Rockets and solidified his first NBA victory.

    “I really, really love winning,” said Wembanyama, per ESPN. “It’s what I love most in life, so of course it feels great.”

    Wemby could not overcome the emotions of his first victory, but thankfully played his next game against the Los Angeles Clippers exclusively on NBA TV and finished with 11 PTS and 3 of 6 FT shooting (50%) in a road loss.

    The promise is there and fans are enjoying it. In the last game between Phoenix, fans gained a kick out of Wemby vs. his idol Kevin Durant, and did the Slim Reaper of Halloween still prove he can go head-to-head despite a respectful loss.

    “He is a unique player.” He is going to be a force in this league for a long time. Once he continues to get experience under his belt, he is going to get even better,” said Durant when asked about facing Wembanyama.

    Wembanyama responded:

    “It is special. He is really a problem and I can see that. His teammates really look for him. They make him a problem too. The way they set up the plays and they try to look for him. I definitely think he is the hardest player to guard. I just played against him once and I know I haven’t seen everything from him but I think he is up there.”

    The two showed mutual respect and overall there have been highlight plays along with TV network satisfaction. This has driven the league’s corporate partners and Wembanyama to consider playoffs.

    Wembanyama is no stranger to playoffs. He played in France and now suits up for Gregg Popovich who admired Wemby as a superstar.

    “Many people have talent in this league but the people who end up at superstar status have something that the rest do not have, and that lies between their ears. It’s in the mind,’ the coach told the media Wednesday. 

    That is huge praise by a legendary, Hall of Fame head coach who has coached the likes of David Robinson, Tim Duncan, Manu Ginoboli, Tony Parker, and others.

    It would not come as a surprise if the Spurs changed rapidly quick. The team is receiving contributions from their starting lineup, but would not come as a shock if team president R.C. Buford altered the team around and allowed Wemby to continue to stand out and finish as nothing but one-of-a-kind.

  • Sports Kingdom-ESPN Edit: Top 90 Listed NBA Players of 2023-24

    Sports Kingdom-ESPN Edit: Top 90 Listed NBA Players of 2023-24

    1. Nikola Jokic

    2. Joel Embiid

    3. Giannis Antetokounmpo

    4. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – His efficiency will carry over.*

    5. Luka Doncic

    6. Stephen Curry

    7. Lebron James

    8. Jayson Tatum

    9. Kevin Durant

    10. Anthony Davis

    11. Jimmy Butler

    12. Devin Booker

    13. Donovan Mitchell

    14. Damian Lillard

    15. Jamal Murray

    16. Anthony Edwards

    17. Tyrese Haliburton

    18. Paul George

    19. Jaylen Brown

    20. Karl Anthony Towns

    21. Bam Adebayo

    22. De’Aaron Fox

    23. Domantas Sabonis – Has averaged 12 PTS, 7 REB, and 2.7 assists in postseason action.*

    24. Kawhi Leonard

    25. Brandon Ingram

    26. Trae Young

    27. Jrue Holiday

    28. Lauri Markkanen

    29. Pascal Siakam – Slides down because of fatigue and a missed All-NBA spot.*

    30. Jalen Brunson

    31. Paolo Banchero – Had an impressive summer and after all skipped Vegas considering his rookie campaign.*

    32. Jaren Jackson Jr.

    33. Ja Morant

    34. Bradley Beal

    35. Mikal Bridges

    36. Kyrie Irving

    37. Klay Thompson

    38. Tyrese Maxey

    39. Zach Lavine

    40. Victor Wenbanyama

    41. Darius Garland

    42. Demar Derozan

    43. Khris Middleton

    44. Julius Randle

    45. CJ McCollum

    46. Evan Mobley – Mobley seems to be figured out or is he?*

    47. Jarrett Allen

    48. Lamelo Ball – It is still yet to be known Ball’s status.*

    49. James Harden – Harden is up in the air but could pull a surprise here.*

    50. DeAndre Ayton

    51. Draymond Green

    52. Andrew Wiggins

    53. Josh Giddey

    54. Franz Wagner – Wagner had an impressive summer like Banchero. Keep an eye for those Magic.*

    55. Aaron Gordon

    56. Zion Williamson

    57. Dejounte Murray

    58. Desmond Bane

    59. Jerami Grant

    60. Kristaps Porzingis

    61. Fred Van Vleet

    62. Marcus Smart

    63. Scottie Barnes

    64. Austin Reaves

    65. Myles Turner

    66. Rudy Gobert

    67. Brook Lopez

    68. Michael Porter Jr.

    69. OG Anunoby

    70. Jordan Poole

    71. Walker Kessler

    72. Chet Holmgren

    73. Cade Cunningham

    74. Chris Paul

    75. RJ Barrett

    76. Scoot Henderson

    77. Tyler Herro

    78. Tobias Harris

    79. Jalen Green

    80. Anfernee Simons

    81. Kyle Kuzma – Check out Kuzma on our friends at CloseUp360 today.*

    82. Kevon Looney

    83. Buddy Hield

    84. John Collins

    85. Russell Westbrook

    86. Jalen Williams

    87. Grant Williams

    88. Nikola Vucevic

    89. Immanuel Quickley

    90. Harrison Barnes