Former NBA player warns Victor Wembanyama about health risks of being out for so long

From one big man to another, Paul Mokeski expresses his concerns about Victor Wembanyama’s health and gives him advice on how to deal with the dangers of being such a tall athlete. According to the former player, there are many disadvantages to this build and advises the French star to take precautions, because “it takes its toll.”

After playing for five NBA teams, including six highly commendable years in Milwaukee, Mokeski eventually transitioned to coaching basketball. The 67-year-old revealed that he has followed in Victor’s footsteps since landing in San Antonio with the No. 1 pick in last year’s draft.

The seven-footer was interviewed by Infobae this week, where he explained the dangers of being so tall, while explaining how many tall basketball players have suffered serious problems after retiring from professional sports. “The human body is not designed to be that tall,” Mokeski said.

Paul Mokeski is concerned about Victor Wembanyama’s health #PaulMoleski #VictorWembanyama https://t.co/zyrUg8V7un

—TalkBasket (@TalkBasket) September 19, 2024

“From Darryl Dawkins and Moses Malone to Earl Cureton, Wilt Chamberlain and Jack Haley, they all died of heart problems. This is what happens to tall players like me who played in the NBA. We pay attention to the former tall players who have died and how they died. Yes, it is a concern,” he assured.

Mokeski then explained how there are different types of training and care for athletes his size. “If you look at his training, he’s pushed it to the limit. Yoga, stretching, stuff like that,” he said. “We didn’t do those things. I wish we had. We’d do 15 jumping jacks and say, ‘Let’s play!'”

Despite this explanation, Paul said the 20-year-old French star has had to endure less than in his day, mainly thanks to all the technological advances that help players maintain their physical condition and extend their careers.

“He’s going to have a lot less problems because of the training and the knowledge. I’m less worried about someone like him now than I was, say, 25 years ago. He’s going to have it a lot better than I was,” Mokeski acknowledged.

The French superstar is convinced he played only 15% of his potential in his rookie season

Victor Wembanyama’s rookie season is certainly one for the history books, as he earned the Rookie of the Year award and an All-Defense selection. The 20-year-old also just became the youngest player ever to lead the NBA in total blocks and average in a single campaign.

Despite his already impressive resume, the young star doesn’t believe he’s even close to reaching his potential. When asked to reflect on his first season in the big leagues, he guarantees he’s only 15% closer to becoming the best version of himself.

“I would say I’m about 15 percent between my first NBA game and what I hope to be my peak,” he said recently, even though he’s improved dramatically during his first year in the United States. The San Antonio center is averaging 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.2 steals and 3.6 blocks this season.

Earlier this year, he also made history as the first rookie to record 150 blocks, 150 assists and 50 steals in a season since Tim Duncan did so more than 25 years ago. The French star also ranked 10th in total rebounds with 755, 7th in defensive rebounds (594), 6th in usage rate at 32.2% and second in defensive rating at 106.1.