Victor Wembanyama didn’t hesitate when ESPN asked him to name the NBA’s best player. The San Antonio Spurs star gave respect where it was due, calling Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic “the best offensive player,” before drawing a clear line.

In Wembanyama’s eyes, the league’s top overall player comes down to two names right now. Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Then came the closer. “When I come back to the court,” Wembanyama said, “it will be me.”

That confidence has followed Wembanyama since he entered the league. The second-year big man is returning at a crucial moment for San Antonio, with the Spurs set to face the Thunder in the NBA Cup semifinals. The timing adds weight to his words, especially

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