Victor Wembanyama lauds compatriot Kylian Mbappe after legendary World Cup performance: “Only people who are in denial won’t acknowledge him”

Following France's bitter loss in the 2022 World Cup final, top prospect Victor Wembanyama spoke about the comparisons made between him and French forward Kylian Mbappe.

Wembanyama is expected to go first overall in the 2023 NBA draft, and has been touted by some to be the greatest NBA prospect since LeBron James and one of the greatest NBA prospects of all time.

Wembanyama is a 7-foot-3 forward with a penchant for shooting the basketball. At Victor’s size, his skillset is an absolute rarity and has the potential to be in the crème de la crème of NBA's big men.

In an interview with Le Parisien, Wembanyama stated:

"I can understand the comparisons: we are both young, from the same generation and we are trying to accomplish things each in our sport.

“He does not necessarily have to be a source of inspiration to recognize his greatness. It’s obvious how big he is and only people who are in denial can’t, or won’t, acknowledge him."

He added:

“Honestly, it’s kind of flattering to be compared to him, isn’t it? There is worse."

Victor Wembanyama on a streak for Metropolitans 92

Victor Wembanyama of the Metropolitans 92.

Victor Wembanyama, who is expected to go first overall in the 2023 NBA draft, has logged several impressive performances for his team, the Boulogne-Levallois Metropolitans 92 or the Mets 92, who play in the LNB Pro A, the apex tier of French basketball.

Wembanyama's scoring and minutes per game have seen huge jumps with the Mets 92, as the season prior, he averaged a mere 9.4 points and 5.1 rebounds in a little over 18 minutes per game.

This year, however, Wembanyama is putting the NBA on notice for his freakish talents, as he logs 22.6 points per game, 9.1 rebounds per game, and a staggering 3.1 blocks per game as a Met.

From Nov. 4 to Dec. 2, the 7-3 power forward logged four straight games of 30-plus points, including two 30-point double-doubles.

In the two games he played against the G League Ignite, Wembanyama scored 37 points, grabbed four rebounds in a loss (115-122) and 36 points, 11 rebounds in a win (112-106).

The 18-year old from Le Chesnay has already logged six double-doubles in 13 games so far.

The Wembanyama sweepstakes are well underway. With the trade deadline fast approaching, tanking teams are likely to sell more than ever as everyone stocks up on first-rounders in anticipation of a once-in-a-lifetime pick.