Before Victor Wembanyama, there was a different 7.4 big man who played for the San Antonio Spurs. He was Boban Marjanovic. But he only had a limited stint with the Spurs and got quickly traded to the Detroit Pistons. With Wembanyama and Boban, there is one more big man from Europe who has made a name for himself in the league. He is Kristaps Porzingis. But unlike the former two, Porzingis’ is slightly less tall compared to them. He is 7.2.

In the 80s and the 90s, the big men ruled the roost. Not anymore, since the 2000s, players with agility, speed, and precision became the mainstay, and bigs’ got relegated to supporting roles. But have the tides changed? Are we seeing the return of the big men?

The High Towers

Victor Wembanyama is the youngest of the three big men. He is only 19. And Kristaps got drafted in the league when he was 20. But Boban had it rough. He was 27 when he made it to the league. Had he been drafted earlier, he would have had the time to develop with the rest of his age group. Although that does not come across as a deterrent to the Serbian big, who is still in the league at 35, and can only be seen with a smile. And despite his fluctuating minutes on the court, Boban has always been a net positive, and has above 50% FG%.

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What has been a lack for Boban is not applicable to Kristaps Porzingis. Boban lacks agility and lumbers along on the court. While Kristaps have nimble feet to go along with his sweet stroke. He can be a center or a power forward based on the needs of his team. His skill sets on his arrival were so unique that Kevin Durant gave him ‘the Unicorn‘ moniker. But Wemby beats them all. Richard Jefferson in his Road Tripping podcast declares that “the NBA players look at Wembanyama in awe, just like the fans of the game do.” Though there were many seven-footers before in the league, none stand as a comparison to Wembanyama. And that is why LeBron calls him ‘an Alien‘.

This Season

Kristaps Porzingis has begun this season with the Celtics. He has had the most efficient season since his rookie year with 65 games for the Wizards last season. And by his 30 points 8 rebound contribution in the season opener against the Knicks, he is poised for a great season ahead. Whereas Boban did not get to play in the season opener against the Magic.

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That leaves us with Wembanyama, who is beginning his Spurs season by going against the Mavericks. And definitely, all eyes are on him.

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