Rarely do NBA G-League games get much notice, and never do they outshine the NBA summer league games during the preseason. That is exactly what happened this year, and Victor Membanyana and Scoot Henderson are the two main reasons.
According to NBA rules a player must turn 19 years old during the calendar year that they are drafted. The only reasons that Scoot Henderson and Victor Wembanyana have not been drafted this season is because they are simply too young.
The 6'2" Scoot Henderson, an bonafide phenom and 5-star recruit , reclassified in high school and then signed a $1M G-League contract. At the beginning of the season he was still only 17 years old. Henderson is a physically mature scoring point guard that has the 'Mamba Mentality'. Scoot finishes above the rim, and he plays fearlessly. Henderson's game reminds one of a fello Georgia native Anthony Edwards, or a young Russell Westbrook - RIGHT NOW!!!
On the other hand, Victor Wembanyana is 7'4" and the consensus number 1 pick for the 2023 NBA draft. He has a very accurate three point stroke, excellent ball handling ability for someone his size, and he knows how to play the game. In addition, although he is tall and slim, Victor Wembanyana is not weak or frail by any means.
Also, Victor Wembanyana is a superior rim protector that is quick to slam dunk on someone inside. Wembayana has been playing professional basketball in France since he was 16 years old, so the physical grind and contact is nothing new to him. Unlike Chet Holmgren, this years number 2 pick (and 'Unicorn'), Victor Wembanyana would be a legit contender for an All-star selection this season.
This week, these two future NBA stars faced off in a G-League game and neither disappointed. Scoot Henderson scored 28 points (11-21), and his team won the game. Henderson was electrifying and made dazzling moves while attacking the basket and the 7'4" Wembanyana.
Wembanyana's team Metropolitain 92 traveled 5000 miles fron France to compete against the G-League's Ignite and Scoot Henderson. The crowd was not disappointed because they saw more than they bargained for. Wembanyama dropped 37 points on Henderson and the Ignite. He hit spinning drives, step back jump shots, follow up dunks, and went 7-11 from three point range. In addition, during one play Wembanyana caught the ball just inside of the three point line, dribbled once, took off and tried to dunk on Shareef O'Neal (Shaq's son) but got fouled. This young man has the size and athleticism of a young Wilt Chamberlain or Lew Alcindor (Kareem Abdul Jabbar). Rate air!!!
In addition, three of Henderson's 'misses' were actually Wembanyana blocks. He blocked two of Henderson's layups and sent one of his three pointer into the stands. Wembanyana finished with 5 blocks, and several shots did not make it into the basket because of his presence. Victor Wembanyana can become a legitimate NBA force on both ends of the court. Ja Morant, Chris Paul, and DeMarcus Cousins were in attendance and all left impressed.
In conclusion, the NBA Rookie of the Year award will go to someone just as it does each season. One thing that can be said is that this season's winner will not have to face the same type of competition as next season's. Victor Wembanyana, Scoot Henderson, the recently injured (season) Chet Holmgren, and next season's NCAA Player of the Year will all be duking it out in 2024 for the award.
* True player value can now be calculated accurately, and objectively with the use of the Player Valuation Numeric (PVN). The PVN uses each players actual production, as well as specific accomplishments (ex: championships), to compute the value each player brings to the court. It is so easy to understand that even a 5th grader can use it. For more detailed information click the link below.
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