San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama is once again the center of NBA intrigue, with speculation mounting that the 7-foot-4 superstar may have grown an inch -- or more -- since the season ended.
The 21-year-old Frenchman, already a generational talent, has emerged as a topic of discussion after The Ringer's Bill Simmons made a bold claim on a recent episode of The Bill Simmons Podcast while ranking Wemby as the No. 6 player in the world ahead of the 2025-26 season.
"Yeah, I have Wemby sixth," Simmons told his guest, longtime NBA analyst Zach Lowe.
"Do you agree or disagree? Because I'm projecting where he's going next year and the fact that he (expletive) grew an inch. Are you following this? He's seven-foot-seven now."
While Simmons' comment may lean hyperbolic, it has sparked widespread debate about Wembanyama's physical development and its potential impact on the Spurs' future, not to mention the state of the NBA.
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Wembanyama averaged 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 3.6 blocks as a rookie in 2023-24, then followed that up with an even more dominant 2024-25 season.
Wemby's rare combination of height, agility, and skill has already made him a Defensive Player of the Year candidate and an All-Star. If Simmons' claim holds any truth, Wembanyama could now stand at 7-foot-5 or taller, further amplifying his unmatched wingspan and defensive presence.
Social media posts on X have fueled the speculation, with fans pointing to recent workout videos where Wembanyama appears even more imposing alongside teammates.
The implications of an extra inch are staggering. A taller Wembanyama could dominate the paint even more, deterring drives and altering shots with ease while maintaining his guard-like ball-handling and three-point shooting.
However, concerns linger about the physical risks of Wemby's frame. The Spurs have yet to confirm any official measurements, but the team's offseason focus on building around Wembanyama suggests they're preparing for an even bigger star -- literally and figuratively.
While Simmons' 7-foot-7 claim may be an exaggeration, the buzz reminds everyone of Wembanyama's limitless potential. If he has indeed grown, the Spurs could enter the 2025-26 season with a player who redefines the NBA's positional boundaries.