Story by
"In the old days" - Adam Silver explains how social media accelerated Victor Wembanyama's fame
- Story by
- "In the old days" - Adam Silver explains how social media accelerated Victor Wembanyama's fame
What LeBron James managed to pull off from the exact moment he stepped into the league 23 years ago is an absolute anomaly in NBA history. Words are completely useless when trying to describe his on-court achievements. Still, the mere fact that he has maintained his stranglehold as the undisputed face of the league for over two decades is flat-out unbelievable.
During that span, the NBA has witnessed its fair share of legends. Icons like Stephen Curry , Kevin Durant , Kawhi Leonard , Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokic have all dominated the landscape. While they have now cruised into their 30s, King James still refuses to vacate the throne.
Advertisement
Silver breaks down Wemby 's rise to fame
While superstars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander , Luka Doncic , and Jayson Tatum are the immediate names pushing to inherit the crown, the future more likely belongs to a trio consisting of Victor Wembanyama , Cooper Flagg and Anthony Edwards . Most pundits lean toward the French phenom, but Adam Silver believes social media has played a massive role in his astronomical rise.
"In fact, in the old days, I think a player like Victor Wembanyama might not have attracted the kind of attention he [has] had until he won," Silver told "The Athletic". "But these days, given social media and given even the uniqueness of who he is, his background, his size, maybe even a world before social media, he still would have commanded enormous attention."
Advertisement
Wemby proved early on that he is built for the pressure
The San Antonio Spurs' center isn't the first young prodigy projected to reach LeBron-esque heights. The basketball world still remembers the intense hype machines that surrounded Ben Simmons and Zion Williamson before they ultimately succumbed to the pressure — a stark reminder of just how heavy that crown can be.
Yet, from Day 1, there has been an entirely different aura surrounding Wemby. The hype reached such an unprecedented level that NBA League Pass made the historic decision to broadcast European basketball games for the first time, so fans could watch his French club, Metropolitans 92.
Advertisement
Much like LeBron being labeled The Chosen One in high school, Victor proved early on that he is built for the pressure. Now in just his third season, he has compiled a historic resume: the first unanimous DPOY in NBA history, a third-place finish in MVP voting, the league leader in blocks for the third consecutive year, an All-Star nod, and selections to both First-Team All-NBA and All-Defense.
Led by his brilliance, the Spurs exploded for 62 wins, battled in the NBA Cup Final, and punched their ticket back to the NBA Finals for the first time in twelve years, with Wembanyama capturing Western Conference finals MVP honors. But according to Silver , securing the ultimate prize will be the true defining factor.
Advertisement
"Ultimately, for a player to take that mantle, they have to win," Silver said. "And in the conversations I've had with Wemby, I've emphasized that, but I'm not sure I had to tell him that. The precondition to being a leader on the global stage is winning."
What truly separates Wembanyama from his peers, however, is his poise and conduct off the court. His relentless drive to polish his craft, his eagerness to learn from the game's greatest legends, and his incredibly mature perspective form the perfect blueprint for how a league centerpiece should carry themselves.
Advertisement
Larry O'Brien trophy remains the ultimate metric
When describing Wemby's demeanor and mindset, look no further than the recent revelation from Wembanyama's agent, Jeremy Medjana, who disclosed that the superstar turned down millions in lucrative beverage endorsements for health reasons.
"We're not gonna mix his image with sodas like Coca-Cola," Medjana stated. "They all want him, but Victor will never sell soda. Because he doesn't want to kill the kids."
Advertisement
While Silver appreciates those off-court attributes, he reiterates that the Larry O'Brien trophy remains the ultimate metric of greatness.
"I think what Victor understands is not to be distracted by all of the fanfare around his career," Silver added. " Because he will be defined by championships, not by commercial opportunities or the platform he has to speak out on issues he cares about."
Ring culture has mercilessly defined and, at times, diminished the legacies of legendary players throughout league history, often preventing fans from appreciating all-time greats with the respect they deserve. If Wembanyama can lead the Spurs all the way to a title in just his third season, he will completely shatter that narrative before it even begins.
Advertisement
This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Jun 5, 2026, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
