Spurs legend compares Victor Wembanyama to LeBron James, noting his only NBA concern

San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama has already proven his quality but his fellow Frenchman and NBA legend Tony Parker has one concern. The former Spurs star talked about Wemby on Friday and shared his excitement for the big man's career. Parker even compared his case to LeBron James, who was given high expectations entering the league.

Wemby wrapped his rookie season on a high. He was the 2024 Rookie of the Year and came close to winning the Defensive Player of the Year award. The powerful beginning of his career was something that many expected. But they're more interested in how the center will evolve into a superstar in the NBA.

Parker got the chance to share his thoughts on Wemby's basketball journey so far.

"Victor's amazing," Parker said (via Yahoo Sports). "Like, his head and his mental side, it's nothing I can tell. It's like he's ready.

The four-time champion named LeBron James as the closest player he could think of who's had similar high expectations even before stepping foot on an NBA court.

He said:

"He’s not bothered by the pressure or the expectations, he’s a little bit like Lebron. The only one I can compare with so much expectation before your arrival is LeBron James. I think he's the only one you can really compare."

Then, Parker shared that Wemby's health is the only concern that bothers him, saying:

"That's the only worry. If I had to say one thing, is can he sustain this through the years and staying healthy at that body at 7'4. Can you play 15, 20 years and play the whole year with the Spurs and then every summer with the national team? Can you do that with that body?"

Aside from his commitment to the Spurs, Wemby is also expected to participate in the national team. It will be a tough task and a daunting toll on his body, which is why Parker is worried.

Also read: Victor Wembanyama stats: How did France's center perform vs Germany in Olympic basketball game?

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France's head coach criticized Victor Wembanyama after the loss against Germany

Victor Wembanyama is representing France at the 2024 Paris Olympics. As the host country, there's a ton of expectation from the French basketball players, especially Wemby. However, they suffered their first loss against Germany on Friday, 85-71.

Wemby only had 14 points and 12 rebounds in the game. The center wasn't aggressive offensively and Vincent Collet, head coach of the French men's national basketball team, had something to say about it.

"He stopped the ball too much. Against that kind of aggressiveness, you can’t play that way," said Collet. "You are never 1-on-1 because they come to double team and there’s no space to operate. It’s important to move the ball."

France is still within range of advancing to the quarterfinals where Wemby can redeem himself.

Also read: "Don't know how Rudy Gobert got it" - Lakers guard claims Victor Wembanyama was robbed of NBA awards