The National Basketball Association (NBA)* of the United States is considered the world¡¯s most competitive league for basketball. The new NBA season tipped off on October 24th, and it will run for 82 games until April 2024.
Although it is still early in the season, the talk around the league has been about Victor Wembanyama, a sensational first-year player from France.
Wembanyama, who goes by the nickname ¡°Wemby,¡± is only 19 years old, but he already has four years of professional basketball under his belt in France. This year, he decided to join the NBA and was drafted first overall by the San Antonio Spurs.
The French phenom measures 224 centimeters in height, making him one of the league¡¯s tallest basketball players. But despite his tall stature, he is surprisingly quick and shows elite skills at dribbling, passing, and jump shooting.
¡°He is definitely a generational talent,¡± said NBA veteran and superstar LeBron James.
Overall, 30 NBA teams will compete to qualify for the playoffs* and win the championship. Last year¡¯s champions, the Denver Nuggets, and their star center Nikola Jokic will seek to defend their title.
However, the Nuggets will face stiff competition, as many teams have improved their roster over the off-season. Basketball experts predict top teams like the Boston Celtics, the Milwaukee Bucks, and the Golden State Warriors will have strong seasons, too.
Much attention will also be paid to LeBron James, who is playing in his 21st NBA season. The 38-year-old future Hall of Famer,* who is currently a member of the Los Angeles Lakers, hopes to add one more championship ring to his already stellar career.
* National Basketball Association (NBA) ¹Ì±¹ ³ó±¸ Çùȸ