As the NBA playoffs heat up, all eyes are on Victor Wembanyama, the No. 1 overall draft pick, who has the chance to shatter a long-standing curse. The last player to win a championship and Finals MVP as a top pick was LeBron James in 2020, but Wemby is poised to change that narrative this season.
The turn of the century saw the Los Angeles Lakers and Shaquille O’Neal dominate the league, with Shaq earning three Finals MVP awards and solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest No. 1 picks in NBA history. Fast forward to today, and the landscape has shifted dramatically. Since LeBron’s achievement, no No. 1 pick has led their team to a title while also claiming the Finals MVP award.
Tim Duncan, another legendary player, was the last top pick to accomplish this feat back in 2005. Since then, the Finals MVP trophy has often gone to players drafted lower in the first round or even in the second round, like Nikola Jokic, who was picked 41st overall. Even players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who was selected 11th, have taken home the honors, leaving fans to wonder if the top picks are losing their edge.
However, there’s a palpable excitement surrounding Wembanyama, who was drafted first overall in 2023 and hailed as the most promising basketball talent since LeBron. His games in France garnered international attention, and now, as he prepares for his first Game 7, the anticipation is electric. The San Antonio Spurs recently showcased their potential by sweeping the reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder in a stunning Game 6, signaling their readiness to compete at the highest level.
The Spurs’ journey to the NBA Cup Finals has been impressive, especially with their strong regular-season performance against the Thunder. Yet, the Oklahoma City team is no stranger to high-pressure situations, having previously navigated back-to-back 60-win seasons and clutch playoff moments. Game 7 will be a true test of mental strength, where anything can happen.
Wembanyama’s playoff performance has been remarkable, with multiple games where he scored over 25 points and blocked several shots, breaking records previously held by Tim Duncan. As he faces off against the Thunder on their home court, the stakes couldn’t be higher. If the Spurs fall short, the Finals MVP could go to players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander or Jalen Brunson, both of whom have excelled this postseason.
Wembanyama’s mission is clear: to become the first No. 1 pick since LeBron to bring home a championship. To achieve this, he’ll need to channel the dominance that Tim Duncan displayed in his prime. The question remains—can Wemby break this 23-year curse and lead the Spurs to glory?
