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JJ Reddick and Tommy Alter were dumbfounded by young talent. Yes, you read that right! They were at a complete loss for words when a 19-year-old French basketball player schools them on their podcast, The Old Man and the Three. The French player’s views on life and the universe were unbelievable. Their podcast guest was so humble and grounded, Reddick and Alter couldn’t believe their eyes. 

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It is the natural flair and persona Victor Wembanyama brings to the table. Not only is he mesmerizing on court, but now off-court as well. The greatest basketball prospect of all time, Victor, might be the first pick in the NBA 2023 drafts lottery. Before the picks, he sits down with Reddick and Alter for an interview, and his modesty might shock you too. 

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Is Victor Wembanyama the greatest prospect since LeBron James?

Victor is raking in a lot of attention, even before being drafted into the NBA league. The unhinged, 7’3 player is directly compared to the likes of LeBron James and Kobe Bryant. This comes as an enormous surprise for everyone before setting foot on the court. All of this, at just the age of 19!

Reddick asks him, “You’re in a position to be a generational player…..do you feel the pressure around that?

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Anyone’s usual response would be a big, nervous YES! But Wembanyama’s charm precedes all standards and norms.

Victor’s response to the question is nothing short of an inspirational quote: “No, you know, I don’t feel any pressure on my shoulders …. The reason is because I try to live free… It’s just the way I truly want to play.”

His inspiring words and his sense of self-assurance are already winning our hearts.

What’s Victor Wembanyama’s totem?

Reddick has seen a lot of young professional basketball players. They get drafted into the NBA and then lose sight of what’s important. He’s well aware of the problem and talks about the concern.

Victor recalls Leonardo DiCaprio’s $836,800,000 blockbuster, Inception. He explains how in the movie, DiCaprio needs the totem to gauge reality. He needs the totem to differentiate between the dream world and reality.

What’s your totem,” asks Reddick.

My totem is bigger than basketball”, replies Wembanyama. “I’m free in the universe. I’ll do whatever I can, and I know what I want to do and nothing’s going to stop me from doing it.”

Reddick and Alter had no words. Their concerns about fleeting player motivations suddenly disappeared. They knew that another NBA GOAT is in the making. 

Read more: “It’s Getting Weird”: 48 Hours Before NBA Draft, 7’4 Victor Wembanyama’s “Alien” Clutch Has Fans Gasping

Victor Wembanyama had a great last season. He was the Metropolitans 92 MVP, averaging 21.6 points and 10.4 rebounds. He was openly scouted for NBA drafting. It’s a matter of time until we see him free and unhinged in the NBA. Until then, what did you think of Wembanyama’s theory of being free in this universe? Comment below!

Watch this story: After Overwhelming Reaction to Bronny’s Milestone, LeBron James’ Heart Melts Over Daughter Zhuri

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Prachi Bhandutia

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Prachi is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports. After playing basketball throughout high-school, she got a real taste of the sizzling NBA action after moving to the University of Hartford for BA in Creative Writing. Living in Connecticut, she got exposed to the cross-town rivalry between the New York Knicks and the Brooklyn Nets. She has been an ardent NBA follower since, constantly fangirling over Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, Kevin Durant, Joel Embiid, and LeBron James. Prachi employs her impeccable writing skills to report NBA news unbiasedly.

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Saumya Khanduja

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