Perhaps no player in the upcoming NBA playoffs will be under the microscope as much as San Antonio Spurs franchise player Victor Wembanyama. The expectations are sky-high for Wembanyama as he makes his playoff debut, and the Spurs have emerged as a serious NBA championship contender. One of Wembanyama’s peers made a declaration that will likely add more anticipation for his playoff performance.
Lonzo Ball Praises Victor Wembanyama as the Future GOAT
Former Lakers guard Lonzo Ball discussed Wembanyama’s potential on the “Ball in the Family” podcast. Ball said, “If he don’t get hurt, I might have him go down as the GOAT, I’ll put that out there, and I’m not even being funny though.”
Wembanyama is jokingly referred to as an alien because of his incredible offensive skills at his size. As Ball notes, Wembanyama can seemingly do anything on the court despite having a 7-foot-4 frame.
The top MVP Award and Defensive Player of the Year Award contender is averaging 25 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 3.1 blocks per game this season while shooting 51.2% from the field. He’s among the NBA leaders in net rating, which highlights his dominance on both ends of the floor.
Ball’s declaration that Wembanyama could be the greatest player of all time if he stays healthy isn’t a hot take, as several prominent media members, as well as more of his peers like Ball, believe that he has limitless potential. To enter the GOAT conversation 12 years from now, there are a few variables to consider. As Ball states, health is probably the biggest one.
Can’t wait to celebrate our Spurs Fam tomorrow on Fan Appreciation Night 🙌@Ledger | #sponsored pic.twitter.com/Zu9ZwueAMt
— San Antonio Spurs – x (@spurs) April 11, 2026
While Wembanyama entered the league listed at just over 200 pounds and is now listed at 235, there’s still concern that his thin frame won’t hold up over time. At 22, there’s plenty of time for him to keep getting stronger, which is scary for the rest of the NBA.
However, he’s missed significant time this season with a left calf strain and most of the second half of last season after developing a blood clot in his right shoulder. The concerns about the injury won’t go away.
There’s also the Spurs’ team success. Wembanyama will need to win multiple championships to enter the conversation. Legends Michael Jordan and LeBron James are brought up most frequently in the GOAT conversation, and they have six and four championships, respectively.
The Spurs are already considered an elite team, and that’s likely to continue. More established All-Stars will look to follow behind De’Aaron Fox and join up with Wembanyama if they have the opportunity. The organization also drafted two projected multi-time All-Stars, Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper, to help build a core built to win for several years.
The stars are currently aligned for Wembanyama to potentially make Ball’s prediction come true.
