Victor Wembanyama: Zion Williamson says NBA rookie can be future MVP winner - 'He’s an amazing player'

New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson says Victor Wembanyama is capable of dominating the NBA, adding of the young Frenchman that “we haven’t seen nothing like that”.

The rookie, just 20, has already made a huge impression in North America with the San Antonio Spurs and as he starts to play more minutes after coming back from injury, many are wondering just how far he will go in the sport.

Williamson’s Pelicans defeated Wembanyama’s Spurs on Friday night by a single point, but securing the win did nothing to disavow him of the notion that he was playing against a potential future great.

He said: “Wemby is a very special player. We were just talking about it in the locker room.

“He is a dude who could get two or three Defensive Player of the Year awards, and also - I don’t want to put no limits on it - but he can get Defensive Player of the Year and also MVPs, because we haven’t seen nothing like that.

“We’ve seen things close, but not like that. He’s an amazing player and I think especially with 'Popp' [Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich] over there he’s going to continue to develop.”

Williamson delivered a dominant display as the Pelicans secured a 114-113 win over the Spurs. He scored 33 points with eight rebounds, while Wembanyama registered 28 points and 14 rebounds.

In another of Friday night’s games, Orlando Magic defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 108-106.

Rody Gobert led the scoring for his side, tied with Anthony Edwards with 22 points for the game, while Karl-Anthony Towns hit 19.

Both Towns and Edwards have been picked for the forthcoming All-Star games, and Frenchman Gobert gave them credit, but noted that he was no longer surprised he had been snubbed for recognition.

He said: “It’s not the first time I’ve been taken for granted or disrespected. I’m happy at the end of the day I get to get some vacation.”

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