NBA Hall of Famer Tracy McGrady Says the Hype Around Wembanyama Is "Too Much"

• NBA legend Tracy McGrady thinks the Victor Wembanyama hype is too much
• He asked fans to give the youngster time to develop instead of making comparisons and declarations
• Wembanyama is the most hyped draft prospect since LeBron James in 2003

Former NBA superstar Tracy McGrady has said the hype Victor Wembanyama is getting is too much. The young Frenchman was selected No. 1 overall in the 2023 NBA Draft and is considered the most hyped prospect since LeBron James.

Before the draft, the 19-year-old dismissed any concerns about the hype he was getting.

When he flew to the USA ahead of the draft, there was an aura about the French phenom. However, amidst all the fans, camera flashes, and attention, he seemed calm, like he's been here before.

Tens of thousands of fans jam-packed the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas to get a glimpse of his highly awaited Summer League debut. Even NBA royalty Kareem Abdul-Jabbar pulled up to his debut, per the Athletic.

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The 7-foot-4 athletic sensation did not have a great night many were expecting. He had 9 points on 2-of-13 shooting. The game showed the weight of expectation and the need to be patient with Wembanyama.

McGrady on Wemby's hype

Speaking recently on Scoop B Radio podcast, the former Houston Rockets star said the hype around Wemby is too much, and it puts pressure on the youngster.

"The hype around this kid is too much for me and I’m not sayin’ it because he doesn’t deserve it, but let’s let this kid develop and see what he’s going to be," McGrady said. "Y’all talking about the greatest player of all time and this and that, like c’mon man. We gotta chill out with that. We don’t know what this kid is going to be."

"We don’t know how great this kid is going to be," T-Mac added. "We just don’t know. This is the NBA, bro! He is going to be going up against some real dogs out here..."

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Wemby brings a unique set of skills to the court. He can shoot and dribble with the skills of someone way shorter than him. The 2023/24 NBA is getting closer, and fans will finally see what he can do on a nightly basis.

How much will Wembanyama make?

Sports Brief earlier broke down Wembanyama's potential salary for the 2023/24 season. He is expected to earn as much as $12.2 million in his first season.

Based on salary cap projections ($136 million), the young French phenom's on-court earnings could be as much as $55.2 million over the next four years.

Wembanyama could make way more from his off-court deals. He is a Nike athlete and could add a few endorsement deals ahead of his rookie season.