Scottie Pippen, the Chicago Bulls legend and six-time NBA champion alongside Michael Jordan, has weighed in on the meteoric rise of San Antonio Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama. Pippen, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in basketball history, expressed confidence in Wembanyamaâs ability to shatter Wilt Chamberlainâs legendary 100-point game record.
In a recent appearance on the PBD Podcast, Pippen was asked by Patrick Bet-David whether anyone could surpass Chamberlainâs iconic single-game scoring feat. Without hesitation, Pippen pointed to Wembanyama as the most likely candidate: âIf it could happen, it would be Wemby. His size, his rangeâhe shortens up the court with his height and versatility.â
Pippenâs belief stems from Wembanyamaâs extraordinary combination of size, skill, and versatility. Standing at 7â4â with an 8-foot wingspan, Wembanyama is redefining what it means to be a big man in the NBA. His ability to handle the ball like a guard, combined with his developed three-point shot, makes him a threat from anywhere on the court.
A skill set built for record-breaking
Unlike traditional centers, Wembanyamaâs agility and range allow him to stretch defenses, forcing opponents to guard him at all levels. His current season averagesâ24.5 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 4.1 blocks per gameâhighlight his ability to dominate on both ends of the floor. His shooting splits of 47.4% from the field and 35.3% from beyond the arc further underscore his offensive efficiency and versatility.
Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs reacts after a basket against the Los Angeles Clippers.
Defensively, Wembanyamaâs shot-blocking and rebounding prowess provide his team with additional opportunities in transition, a critical factor in amassing a high-scoring game.
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Comparisons to NBA greats
While several players have come close to Chamberlainâs milestone, none have been able to match the combination of physical dominance and scoring efficiency required to reach 100 points.
Kobe Bryantâs legendary 81-point performance in 2006 is the closest modern-day comparison. Bryant achieved the feat through relentless scoring and precision, but his game relied heavily on isolation plays and mid-range shooting. By contrast, Wembanyamaâs ability to score inside, shoot from distance, and create his own opportunities gives him a more well-rounded arsenal.
Players like Shaquille OâNeal dominated the paint but lacked the perimeter range necessary to exploit defenses in the modern NBA. Meanwhile, sharpshooters like Stephen Curry and James Harden have excelled from long range but lack Wembanyamaâs physical dominance near the rim.
The perfect storm for 100 points
Breaking Chamberlainâs record would require more than talentâit would take the perfect alignment of factors. A game with high pace, efficient shooting, and weak defensive opposition would provide the ideal scenario. Team strategy, particularly one that prioritizes feeding Wembanyama the ball in a high-scoring environment, would also be crucial.
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Given his unique skill set and the evolution of modern basketball, Victor Wembanyama has positioned himself as one of the few players capable of achieving the impossible. As his career unfolds, the question remains: Will he seize the opportunity to make history?
