In a post-game moment filled with emotion, Wembanyama shared a touching exchange with his childhood idol, Kevin Durant, after France’s defeat to Team USA. “This is my personal childhood favorite player… I made it clear to him that I wanted to learn from him and perhaps steal one or two of his secret techniques,” Wembanyama revealed, showing the immense respect and admiration he has for the NBA superstar.
The admiration seems to be mutual, as Durant, known for his scoring prowess, spoke highly of Wembanyama’s potential after a game between the Phoenix Suns and the San Antonio Spurs in November of ’23. “He’s a unique player who is going to be a force in this league for a long time,” Durant praised. “Once he continues to get experience under his belt, he’s just going to get even better.”
Wembanyama, who was named NBA Rookie of the Year for the 2023-24 season, already made a significant impact in his debut, averaging 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 3.6 blocks per game in 71 appearances. However, with the mentorship and guidance from Durant, the French 7’4″ giant could elevate his game to new heights. By incorporating elements from Durant’s game, Wembanyama could become an even more unstoppable force on the court, leaving opponents scrambling for answers.
