On Thursday, after the San Antonio Spurs’ 132-121 victory over the Phoenix Suns, Suns star Kevin Durant was questioned about the similarities in their playing styles following the finest game of rookie phenom Victor Wembanyama’s brief career.

In response, Durant told the media that Wembanyama “is his own player” and that he will “carve out his own lane” in the NBA.

The Spurs won their second game in a row against the Suns. In 34 minutes of play, Wembanyama scored 38 points on 15-of-26 shooting and grabbed 10 boards. During San Antonio’s 12-0 run that began with 4:21 left and the game knotted at 116, he scored 10 points.

Many experts, in the run-up to the 2023 NBA draft, attempted to liken Wembanyama’s game to that of former greats.

The NBA analysts at B/R compared Durant to another player in terms of half-court handle, among other attributes:

Even the most accomplished tall ball handlers appear vulnerable. Their dribbles go too far into the air. Once you move away from a straight line, their grip on the rock weakens. They are limited when shoved out of transition, or when their initial stride gets cut off. Working in such close proximity requires them to use physical force.

Wembanyama is more of a strategist, like Durant. Giannis Antetokounmpo-like strides, but with KD-like surgical probing, controlled footwork, and cunning angles.

It’s easy to see how they’re physically similar. They are both quite tall and lanky, with long arms and legs that make it tough to block a shot even if the defender is in a good position.

Wembanyama stands at 7 feet, 4 inches tall and has an eight foot wingspan, yet no other player of his height has ever been able to move as well as he does, much alone shoot from beyond the arc and defend at such a high level.

Wembanyama is off to a far better start than Durant had in his first five games as a pro. In his first five games, the 13-time All-Star averaged 22.6 points on 40.8% shooting (34.4 from deep) and 5.4 rebounds per game.

So far this season, Wembanyama is averaging 20.6 points on 50.0% shooting (32.0%), 8.0 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game.

We may evaluate Durant based on his past effort, which spans 17 years, and his future contributions. He is widely acknowledged as among the NBA’s all-time greats.

Although he still has a ways to go, early results show that Wembanyama is worthy of the high expectations that were placed on him before the draft.