Victor Wembanyama continues to move comfortably between respect and confidence, and his latest comments underscored that balance. Asked by ESPN to weigh in on the NBA’s best, the San Antonio Spurs star laid out his view of the league’s hierarchy before turning the spotlight inward, per Yahoo.
He credited Nikola Jokic as the game’s premier offensive force, then narrowed the conversation about the top overall player to two current stars. The moment carried weight, not just because of who he mentioned, but because of how directly he framed the discussion.
“When I come back to the court, it will be me,” Wembanyama said.
Wembanyama’s Words Set Tone Ahead of NBA Cup
The timing of that statement matters. San Antonio is preparing for the NBA Cup semifinals, where the Spurs will meet Oklahoma City in Las Vegas. The matchup places Wembanyama across from one of the players he views as part of the league’s current standard, adding a layer of intrigue to an already meaningful game.
Wembanyama has not been on the floor for several weeks due to a calf strain, but his presence has loomed large throughout the Spurs’ run. Even during his absence, the conversation around San Antonio has centered on when, not if, their franchise centerpiece would return.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, that wait could be close to ending. Charania reported that Wembanyama is likely to return for Saturday’s NBA Cup semifinal, with final clearance expected after practice. The French center has been sidelined since Nov. 14, and his availability hinges on how he responds to that final workout.
Before the injury, Wembanyama appeared in 12 games and delivered across the board. He averaged 26.2 points, 12.9 rebounds, four assists, and 3.6 blocks per night while shooting 50.2 percent from the field. San Antonio went 8-4 in those games, a stretch that highlighted how dramatically he shifts the Spurs’ ceiling.
Head coach Mitch Johnson previously hinted at an imminent return when he confirmed that Wembanyama would travel with the team on its road trip. Although Wembanyama took part in shootaround, he did not play in the NBA Cup quarterfinal win over the Los Angeles Lakers. After that game, Johnson said he was hopeful the Spurs would have their star back if practice went well and Wembanyama felt good.
Why His Return Could Reshape San Antonio’s Ceiling
Charania’s update suggests optimism inside the organization, and the potential impact is obvious. While the Spurs have remained competitive without him, their defense has slipped without their primary rim deterrent. Other players have stepped up, but Wembanyama’s two-way influence changes how opponents prepare.
Beyond the immediate matchup, his comments reflect a mindset that has followed him since entering the league. Wembanyama studies the NBA’s elite closely, acknowledges their strengths, and still believes his own trajectory points higher. He does not frame it as a takeover happening today, but as an outcome he expects to arrive soon.
San Antonio remains in the hunt for the NBA Cup, which would represent the franchise’s first trophy since the 2014 NBA Finals. Getting Wembanyama back for a semifinal against the league’s top competition would boost those hopes significantly, and it would give added context to his bold words.
Wembanyama did not declare himself the league’s best in the present tense. Instead, he issued a promise tied to his return. With his health trending in the right direction, the NBA may soon get a clearer look at what he meant.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Victor Wembanyama Reveals His NBA Player Rankings, Then Makes Bold Claim appeared first on Heavy Sports.