Rich Paul Sees Wembanyama as Potential NBA GOAT Over LeBron, Jordan

Agent suggests Spurs star could surpass league's all-time greats if he stays healthy and avoids bias.

Feb. 26, 2026 at 5:13am

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In a recent podcast interview, NBA agent Rich Paul discussed the future of the league and suggested that San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama could potentially become the greatest player of all time, surpassing legends like LeBron James and Michael Jordan. Paul cited Wembanyama's immense talent and impact, while cautioning that the 7-foot-4 phenom will need to stay healthy and avoid biases that have plagued other all-time greats.

Why it matters

Wembanyama's rapid rise has already made him one of the most talked-about young talents in the NBA. Paul's comments further elevate expectations for the 20-year-old, who has the potential to redefine the league's hierarchy if he can maintain his elite production and lead the Spurs to sustained success.

The details

In the 2025-26 season, Wembanyama is averaging 24.0 points, 11.2 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.0 steals, and a league-leading 2.9 blocks per game for the 42-16 Spurs. He recently made history by recording his 100th consecutive regular-season game with at least one block, joining an exclusive group that includes Patrick Ewing and Dikembe Mutombo. However, the season has not been without setbacks, as Wembanyama has missed 14 games due to a left calf strain and a knee bone bruise.

  • Wembanyama was selected No. 1 overall by the San Antonio Spurs in the 2023 NBA Draft.
  • In the 2025-26 season, Wembanyama is averaging 24.0 points, 11.2 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.0 steals, and a league-leading 2.9 blocks per game.
  • Last month, Wembanyama recorded his 100th consecutive regular-season game with at least one block.

The players

Victor Wembanyama

A 7-foot-4 phenom who was selected No. 1 overall by the San Antonio Spurs in the 2023 NBA Draft and is currently averaging elite numbers in his second season.

Rich Paul

A prominent NBA agent who represents several high-profile players, including LeBron James.

LeBron James

One of the greatest NBA players of all time, who has been considered the face of the league for the past two decades.

Michael Jordan

Widely regarded as the greatest NBA player of all time, who dominated the league in the 1990s.

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What they’re saying

“When I look at the league today, talent-wise, there are a number of guys you could say could probably be the face… I think it'll be a collective of players just like it was when Michael left in 1998. I don't think it was one person… You had Iverson, Vince, T-Mac, Kobe, and Shaq. There were storylines with all of them as a collective.”

— Rich Paul, NBA Agent (Game Over Podcast)

“It's two things. If he stays healthy, and if people don't try to penalize him for how it looks. Most people try to penalize you because it didn't look like their goat. It's just about his body of work. My answer is yes.”

— Rich Paul, NBA Agent (Game Over Podcast)

What’s next

The Spurs will look to continue their strong season and help Wembanyama develop into a true superstar, while the NBA community will closely monitor his progress and potential to become the league's next all-time great.

The takeaway

Rich Paul's comments on Wembanyama's potential to surpass LeBron James and Michael Jordan as the NBA's greatest player of all time underscore the immense hype and expectations surrounding the young Spurs star. If Wembanyama can stay healthy and continue his rapid ascent, he could redefine the league's hierarchy and cement his legacy as one of the all-time greats.