Former NBA player Patrick Beverley recently compared LeBron James, Michael Jordan, and Victor Wembanyama. What James, Jordan, and Wembanyama share is their dominance and impact on their teams.
James and Jordan, in particular, are widely regarded as two of the NBA’s greatest players. As for Wembanyama, while far from being a GOAT, he is already showing signs that he could enter the conversation by the time his career concludes.
Beverley recently ranked the three stars and explained why he placed them in that order.
Why Patrick Beverley Picks LeBron James Over Victor Wembanyama
In a recent episode of the “Pat Bev Show,” Beverley discussed hypotheticals and who he’d pick if James and Wembanyama got drafted in the same class.
Both were No. 1 picks in their respective years (James in 2003 and Wembanyama in 2023). At the time, James was considered the greatest prospect of all time. Two decades later, Wembanyama was compared to James, with many calling the Frenchman the best prospect to enter the NBA.
Beverley weighed in on the conversation among fans and analysts, declaring James his top choice over Wembanyama. While he emphasized that Jordan would always be his No. 1, Beverley argued James was a more impactful young star than Wembanyama’s current trajectory suggests.
“I’m going Bron,” Beverley said. “I think we actually take LeBron James for granted. I’m taking LeBron James without a doubt. It’s only one person I’m taking before LeBron James, and that’s Michael Jordan. … I felt like (James) first, second, and third year, he was more of an NBA player than Wemby.”
While Beverley’s point carries weight, Wembanyama’s season cannot be overlooked. In his third year, he is an MVP candidate and the favorite to win Defensive Player of the Year.
Wembanyama is averaging 24.2 points, 11.22 rebounds, 3 assists, 3.1 blocks, and 1.05 steals per game. Despite his height, he has the ball-handling and shooting ability of a guard, making him a versatile threat.
Even so, James was already among the league’s elite by his third season. In 2005-06, he averaged 31.4 points, 7.0 rebounds, 6.6 assists, and 1.6 steals per game, finishing second in MVP voting and earning All-NBA First Team honors.
In their third seasons, both stars guided their teams back to the postseason. James and the Cavaliers in 2006 snapped a seven-year playoff drought, while Wembanyama and the Spurs this year ended a six-year absence, the longest in franchise history.
Comparing their numbers, James displayed a more well-rounded style of play, excelling in scoring, playmaking, and defense. Wembanyama, by contrast, has primarily focused on shutting down opponents.
