It has been mere days since LeBron James surpassed the 43,000-point plateau, but there is already discussion about who can “replace” him or Michael Jordan in arguments about the greatest player in NBA history.
The discussion is being propelled a bit by none other than Rich Paul, James’ longtime agent.
Ahead of James’ free agency this summer — and the possibility that the four-time NBA champion’s retirement isn’t far away — Paul has told Max Kellerman on the “Game Over” podcast that Victor Wembanyama could be the next “GOAT” candidate.
In his third season with the San Antonio Spurs, Wembanyama has blossomed into a legitimate MVP candidate for a team that has a shot at claiming the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference.
Wembanyama is averaging 24.0 points and 11.2 rebounds per game while shooting better than 50 percent from the floor and 35 percent from 3-point range. For the third year in a row, the 22-year-old is leading the NBA in blocks per game at 2.9, and he was named an All-Star for the second successive year.
It will not be the last time the 7-5 phenom finds himself there.
“It’s two things,” Paul said about Wemby’s GOAT chances. “If he stays healthy, and if people don’t try to penalize him for how it looks. Most people try to penalize you because it didn’t look like their GOAT. It’s just about his body of work.”
Rich Paul response when asked if Victor Wembanyama could become the GOAT:
“It’s two things. If he stays healthy, and if people don’t try to penalize him for how it looks. Most people try to penalize you because it didn’t look like their goat. It’s just about his body of work. My… pic.twitter.com/cltl3kyOy6
— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) February 26, 2026
Paul’s answer to the Wemby question is “yes,” he can enter those GOAT discussions forcefully in the years ahead.
With so many seasons ahead of Wemby, fans can let their imaginations run wild as to what he can individually and collectively achieve with the Spurs.
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