Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama injury ruins much-awaited showdown vs. Giannis Antetokounmpo

There’s an important consideration to consider even though the San Antonio Spurs vs. Milwaukee Bucks game on Tuesday does not include the much anticipated first-ever matchup between Victor Wembanyama and Giannis Antetokounmpo. It’s rare to hear Antetokounmpo’s name among the players frequently compared to Wemby during his first two months in the NBA.

Whether LeBron James because of the ‘generational prospect’ tie, Tim Duncan and David Robinson because of their connection as the San Antonio Spurs only top overall draft picks, or Kevin Durant because of their frames and style of play, there is no shortage of NBA stars linked to what the French phenom is doing to start his career. That the ‘Greek Freak’ isn’t among them speaks to reality Wembanyama has managed to escape.

Similar to the 19-year-old French sensation, Antetokounmpo was only a teenager when he made his NBA debut. In actuality, he was younger than the Spurs super rookie at the age of eighteen. Similar to Wemby, he also stood out on the court with his unique skill set and tall, rangy build.

However, unlike Wemby, the 6’11 power forward was not an instant sensation.

During his first season, the Bucks star averaged 6.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 0.8 blocks per game. He started 23 of the 77 games he participated in. That isn’t nearly as good as what the number one pick in the June draft this year is doing right now.

Victor Wembanyama started all 24 of his games in the Association and averaged 19 points per game.

Victor Wembanyama won’t be present
Soon after the Spurs’ most recent game, a 146-110 drubbing at the hands of the New Orleans Pelicans, Wembanyama was looking forward to his first encounter with the two-time league MVP.

In spite of the travel, the Spurs’ top scorer stated on Sunday, “getting back on the road personally is going to be getting back to the routine, sleeping early, and as the team is going to be staying focused on the scouting report and you know, we’re underdogs, taking every game like it’s the last one and compete every night.”

The Bucks are once again one of the best teams in the NBA, while his Spurs are floundering with the poorest record in the Western Conference. Only the Minnesota Timberwolves (20-5) and Boston Celtics (19-7) have performed better this year. Following off a career-high 31.1 points per game the previous season, Antetokounmpo’s 2023–24 stats are somewhat higher. Third in scoring, behind Joel Embiid and Luka Doncic, is his 31.4 average.

Wemby was eager to meet the Greek Freak for the first time, which makes sense given that he will miss the game due to right ankle pain.

“I love the way he plays because he is always aggressive and scary for his opponents. He is probably one of the players I have studied the most.” Victor Wembanyama went on, “I’m eager to play against the Bucks and I’m trying to take a lot of examples from him.” It promises to be quite fascinating.

Luckily, the rising star of the Spurs might not have to wait long to face the MVP of the 2021 NBA Finals. On January 4, the Bucks are expected to play in San Antonio.