In response to a contentious statement made by Stephen A. Smith regarding Victor Wembanyama, Patrick Beverley
The NBA has been blessed to always have a clear-cut face of the league, constantly passing the torch from superstar to superstar since Magic Johnson and Larry Bird revolutionized the game. The NBA now faces a major problem as LeBron James and Steph Curry near retirement, with no superstar next in line to take the throne.
There are some candidates to be the next face of the NBA, with San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama a top option. The 21-year-old, 7-foot-3 phenom has taken over the league in just his second option, but not everyone feels that he is fit to be the face of the NBA.
Stephen A. Smith, an ESPN analyst, thinks an international player like Wembanyama ought to represent the NBA and hopes Anthony Edwards will take his place.
“I don’t believe an international player can be the face of the NBA,” Smith stated. I am aware that they are well-known and iconic worldwide, but the NBA is an American sport. I hope Anthony Edwards has a change of heart.
Former NBA guard Patrick Beverley responded to Smith’s controversial comments.
Via Patrick Beverley: “Yea i disagree, it was a time where no one thought a black man would be the face of the nba decades ago. basketball is always based on evolution and doesn’t matter what race or nationality you are, the face of the NBA could be anyone from anywhere @stephenasmith always Luv ❤️ @PatBevPod”
The NBA has been dominated by international talent, with arguably the top four players in the league all international, not even including French phenom Wembanyama. It would not be crazy for an international star to become the face of the league, especially with a generational talent like Wembanyama.
Leave a Reply