Victor Wembanyama stirred debate by naming Kobe Bryant over Spurs legend Tim Duncan in a live Q&A, before hesitating.
Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs’ new face of the franchise after Tim Duncan’s retirement, briefly stirred controversy during a live Instagram Q&A when asked to choose between Kobe Bryant and Duncan.
“Tim Duncan or Kobe? Tough question,” Wembanyama admitted. “Probably Kobe All-Time… Eh, actually, I don’t know.”
The 20-year-old’s hesitation revealed both his admiration for Bryant — one of his basketball idols — and his awareness of Duncan’s unmatched legacy in San Antonio. His first instinct leaned toward Kobe, reflecting the opinion of many NBA fans, but he quickly walked it back, seemingly realizing the weight of comparing the two Hall of Famers.
Duncan’s résumé is staggering: 19 seasons, five championships, 15 All-Star appearances, two MVPs, three Finals MVPs, and Rookie of the Year. He averaged 19.0 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 2.2 blocks with the Spurs, anchoring their dynasty for nearly two decades.
Bryant, meanwhile, carved out his legend as the Lakers’ icon: 20 seasons, 25.0 points per game, 18 All-Star appearances, and five championships. Though he had just one MVP and two Finals MVPs, Kobe’s relentless scoring ability and global influence made him one of the most beloved athletes of all time.
Both were inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2020, solidifying their status as generational greats.
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