Victor Wembanyama’s Bold Choice Sparks Debate Between Two NBA Legends
In a moment that caught many off guard, San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama stirred the pot during an Instagram Live session by choosing Los Angeles Lakers icon Kobe Bryant over Spurs legend Tim Duncan when asked who he believed was the better player.
A Surprising Decision
“Tough question. Probably Kobe all-time… Eh, actually, I don’t know,” Wembanyama mused, revealing the weight of the decision. This unexpected preference has ignited discussions among fans and analysts alike, especially considering Duncan’s legendary status as one of the greatest power forwards in NBA history.
Duncan, who dedicated 19 seasons to the Spurs, boasts an impressive legacy, including two MVP awards and five NBA championships. His moniker, “The Big Fundamental,” is a testament to his skill and mastery of the game. For many, it’s hard to argue against Duncan’s credentials, which place him at the pinnacle of basketball greatness.
Wembanyama’s Rising Stardom
The 21-year-old Frenchman is quickly becoming the new face of the Spurs, following in the footsteps of Duncan. In the 2024-25 season, Wembanyama made his first All-Star appearance despite injuries that limited his play. He averaged an impressive 24.3 points and 11.0 rebounds per game, while also leading the league in blocks per game for the second straight season with 3.8.
This season marks a significant turn for the Spurs, as they transition into a new era with Wembanyama at the helm. His choice of Bryant over Duncan may reflect not only his personal affinity for the Lakers star but also the cultural impact Bryant had during his era, particularly among younger fans who grew up watching him dominate.
Comparing Two Icons
Bryant and Duncan, contemporaries in the NBA, both left indelible marks on the league. While Duncan’s accolades are unparalleled, including five championships and 15 All-NBA selections, Bryant’s influence resonates deeply within the game and its fans. Each player has been inducted into the Hall of Fame, a testament to their remarkable careers.
Their on-court rivalry was fierce, with the two facing each other 82 times throughout their careers—52 in the regular season and 30 in the playoffs. In these encounters, Duncan holds the edge in regular-season matchups with a 31-21 record, while Bryant has a slight advantage in playoff battles, winning 18 of 30 matchups against the Spurs.
Generational Perspectives
Wembanyama’s choice may also reflect a generational shift in how players view their predecessors. Born in 2004, he may have been particularly influenced by Bryant’s back-to-back championship runs in 2009 and 2010, where he captured consecutive Finals MVP awards. These iconic moments etched Bryant’s legacy into the minds of young basketball enthusiasts, perhaps leading Wembanyama to favor the Lakers legend in his recent remarks.
As Wembanyama continues to develop in the league, the debate between Kobe and Duncan will likely remain a hot topic among fans and analysts alike, each player representing a different yet equally significant chapter in NBA history.
