The hype might just be real. After coming in as the most hyped player in the NBA since LeBron James, Victor? Wembanyama is definitely silencing the naysayers. His starts have admittedly been slow in most games, but he’s progressively gotten better each night out. While he’s already an incredible defender, his offensive game shows more promise each night. But, there is one aspect that truly separates him from others. Even though not in his control, Charles Barkley believes that factor could potentially decide the true extent of his ceiling.

With the Wemby effect ongoing in full force, what could be the ace in his sleeve?

The secret recipe for Wembanyama’s success – according to Charles Barkley

An NBA player’s success is dependent on a lot of factors. While individual numbers are relatively easier to achieve, only the player himself controls the equation. But, team success and accolades are dependent on other factors as well.

Between teammates, organizational values, front-office dealings, and coaching, a player can go wayward pretty fast. On the other hand, an excellent infrastructure can enhance a player’s trajectory, often pushing their ceiling further. Thankfully, Victor Wembanyama finds himself in the latter of those categories with the San Antonio Spurs.

And, for Charles Barkley, himself a victim of his team holding him back, that’s what makes his potential so exciting. “This Wembanyama kid is fascinating to watch… The best thing about him too is he got a great coach.”

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Further along, Barkley would explain how important of a factor that is. “Because I’m a firm believer that a lot of guys who could have been good players, they went to a crap organization and had bad coaches, develop bad habits… The best thing about Wembanyama is, hey Popovich, you ask Tim Duncan, you ask David Robinson, you ask Ginobili, and Tony Parker – he gonna yell at everybody. He has no hidden agenda.”

That kind of take-no-prisoners approach from Coach Pop could potentially shape Wembanyama into a truly unique specimen. It is that coaching that helped Popovich shape the Spurs dynasty.

With no dearth of talent available on their 15-man roster, could another legendary run be upon us? It would validate all of Chuck’s claims. Especially, considering the situation in his first NBA city, Philadelphia.

Charles Barkley’s tragedy

Later in the interview, Barkley shed more light on his own situation during his playing days. After the Philadelphia 76ers chose him in the draft, the team was in purgatory for years to come.

According to the Chuckster, the situation was bleak with the team losing hope in the season midway through multiple times.

But, this is a problem with most badly managed franchises. For all the criticism?The Decision?brought, Victor’s predecessor LeBron, had to face the same challenges as Charles during his first go-around. It is unfortunate, but also a sad reality of the NBA.

Read More: Charles Barkley Warns Victor Wembanyama of One Major Reason That Could Derail Rookie?s Campaign

Thankfully, Wembanyama can bypass that particular hurdle. But, with talent in spades and the perfect organization to enhance it, the pressure is sky-high for Wembanyama. Comparisons to Bol Bol aside, the initial returns are splendid.

But can he keep it up?