Wembanyama’s arms are so long that his wingspan is larger than that of the largest bald eagles – 2.3 metres – and longer than the average length of a diamond python (2 metres).
In Thursday’s game,he swatted away a shot from Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving like he was flicking away a fly.
To prepare his team for Wembanyama’s athleticism,Mavericks player development coach God Shammgod wore paddles on his arms ahead of the team’s round one clash with the Spurs.
It’s not just his wingspan that is impressive. He’s the equal-tallest player in the NBA,alongside Boban Marjanovic from the Houston Rockets. The standard ceiling height in Australia is 2.4 metres,which means he would almost be bumping his head if he were to make a trip down under.
Doorways are a whole different problem.
Earlier this year,he was invited to throw the first pitch at the Yankees-Mariners game. In the palm of his massive hands the baseball looked like an egg he could easily crush.
Despite all the buzz and anticipation around the young Frenchman,he’s humble but ambitious,and has made it clear he plans to live up to the hype.
“I want to win as many titles as I can in the long run. I know it’s not something easy to do,many and most players have their career and never get to even the finals or to win[a] championship,” he said ahead of the season.
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“It’s one of my biggest goals in life,so I know I’m going to reach this one day or the other.
“I’m dedicating the next I don’t know how many years in my life to risk this,and I’m ready to sacrifice anything.”
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