Pelicans’ Zion Williamson: We’ve ‘Seen Nothing Like’ Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama

Andrew PetersFebruary 3, 2024

Photos by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images

New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson is the latest player in awe of rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama.

After the Pelicans faced off against the San Antonio Spurs Friday night, Williamson had high praise for Wembanyama.

“Victor’s a very special player,” Williamson said. “We were just talking about in the locker room, he’s a dude that can get two or three Defensive Player of the Years. I don’t want to put no label on it, but he can get Defensive Player of the Years and MVPs. We haven’t seen nothing like that. We’ve seen things close, but not like that. He’s an amazing player and I think, especially with (Gregg Popovich) over there, he’s going to continue to develop.”

NBA @NBA”We haven’t seen nothing like that…he’s an amazing player.”

Zion with big praise for Wemby after battling tonight 🤝 pic.twitter.com/tWmWwjeWRZ

While the Pelicans handled business against the Spurs behind Williamson’s game-winning layup, Wembanyama had a solid performance with 16 points, 14 rebounds, seven assists and four blocks. Wembanyama also came up with a clutch block over Williamson late in the game to help the Spurs hold the lead, though they eventually lost the game.

NBA @NBAWemby preserves the Spurs’ 1-point lead with a minute to play!

Pelicans-Spurs | Live on the NBA App
📲 https://t.co/66NGdyhWL3 pic.twitter.com/CClqHFiE9u

While the Spurs have struggled this year, Wembanyama is having an outstanding start to his career and it’s clear he’s on his way to stardom. This year, he’s averaging 20.6 points, 10.1 rebounds, 1.1 steals and a league-best 3.2 blocks despite having to play on a minutes restriction for much of January.

If Wembanyama continues to improve, Williamson’s prediction of multiple DPOYs and MVPs could come true for him.