Is the NBA ready for another Victor Wembanyama? According to Joakim Noah, it just might have to wait until his own child is ready to enter the league. The former NBA star hinted at this playful possibility while on All The Smoke, as he shared details about his growing family with wife Lais Ribeiro, who stands at an impressive 6’1”. “She might have a Wemby in her belly right now,” Noah joked, referencing Wembanyama’s towering height and unique skill set.
Of course, Noah’s admiration for the Spurs’ 7’4” rookie goes beyond height. For players 7’4” or taller, no one has debuted with stats quite like Wembanyama’s—averaging 20+ points and 3+ blocks per game throughout his first season. Not even Ralph Sampson, who won Rookie of the Year in 1984, achieved this level of versatility.
In a recent interview with Sports Illustrated, Noah discussed the influence of Team USA vs. France matchups and expressed his excitement for young French talents like Wembanyama. “When you get a chance to play with Wembanyama for the next 10 to 15 years, it’s exciting,” he said, underscoring how Wemby and players like him are redefining the future of French basketball.
Yet, despite the praise, Noah recently suggested that while Wembanyama showed incredible defensive skills, the 2024 Defensive Player of the Year wasn’t his for the taking. “Individually, is he [Victor] the best defender? Yes,” Noah commented. “But when you’re the big guy, you’ve got to orchestrate the other guys.” Noah, a former DPOY himself, pointed out the importance of team defense, a category in which the Spurs lagged, allowing over 118 points per game—placing 24th in the league.
For Noah, it’s clear that respect for Wembanyama runs deep, even as he keeps one foot firmly planted in family aspirations. “You’ve got to be a top team defense to get the award,” he said, acknowledging that Wemby’s raw talent is undeniable, and the future remains wide open for the rising French star and, perhaps someday, for the next generation of Noahs.
