San Antonio Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama (19-FR) has addressed his nickname.
“Unicorn is not my nickname,” Wembanyama said in an interview before the Spurs’ game against the New York Knicks on Sept. 9.
“I don’t really like it because it’s been used over and over again. Like LeBron said, everybody’s a unicorn,” he said, adding, “But there’s only one alien.”
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James gave Wembanyama the nickname “Alien” last December ahead of the 2023 NBA Draft.
At the time, LeBron said, “We’re labeling like unicorns. I mean, everybody’s been a unicorn for the last couple years,” adding, “To me, he’s more of an alien. No one has ever shown the kind of fluid, graceful movement that someone that tall has on the floor.” Wembanyama was also praised by LeBron at the time.
Wembanyama also revealed his affinity for the nickname in a profile shoot with SI in February. “I’m really happy that LeBron said that because I don’t like being called a unicorn,” he said, “I like being called an alien better. It makes me feel like I’m really trying because it’s unique and original.”
Wembanyama liked the nickname so much that he wore a luxury Louis Vuitton green suit to the NBA Draft in Brooklyn this summer, reminiscent of an alien.
“The green color feels like outer space,” Wembanyama said. It’s like an alien, isn’t it? Green is my favorite color,” he quipped. 토토사이트
Meanwhile, Wembanyama has already lived up to expectations during his rookie season. Through seven games, he is averaging 19.4 points, 8.4 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.3 steals, and 2.6 blocks in 28.9 minutes per game, shooting 46.2% from the field, 32.4% from three-point range (5.3 attempts), and 75.7% from the free throw line (5.3 attempts).
The 2004-born Wembanyama is one of the strongest Rookie of the Year candidates alongside Chet Holmgren, and he has shown the talent to be an All-Star from his rookie season, depending on the circumstances.
But for that to happen, Wembanyama will need to get even better as the season progresses.
