As the San Antonio Spurs and Victor Wembanyama prepare for the 2026-27 NBA season following their NBA Finals loss to the New York Knicks in June, Houston Rockets legend Ralph Sampson believes the 22-year-old superstar will become the face of the league once Philadelphia 76ers star LeBron James, Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant retire.
Speaking with Kyle Odegard of Action Network, Sampson praised Wembanyama's continued development while predicting that the Spurs star will eventually take over as one of the NBA's biggest attractions.
“He can be phenomenal as he continues to develop. He's taking his game to another level, and he is going to be the next thing to watch when LeBron (James), Steph (Curry) and KD (Kevin Durant) leave the game.”
Wembanyama enters his fourth NBA season following a remarkable 2025-26 campaign in which he earned Defensive Player of the Year honors and finished as an MVP finalist. He also helped lead San Antonio to its first NBA Finals appearance since 2014, although the Spurs ultimately fell to New York in five games.
The 7-foot-4 French center has quickly established himself as one of the league's premier two-way players, combining elite rim protection with an expanding offensive skill set.
Despite Wembanyama's emergence as a legitimate MVP contender, Sampson stopped short of predicting that the young superstar would capture the award during the upcoming season.
“I don't predict MVP. You've got to play first. Whoever wins it, wins it. But he's a candidate, for sure.”
Ralph Sampson sees Victor Wembanyama succeeding LeBron, Curry, Durant
Sampson, a four-time NBA All-Star and Hall of Famer who spent much of his career alongside Hakeem Olajuwon in Houston, also emphasized the importance of Wembanyama maintaining his health as he continues developing.
“Stay healthy,. That's all I can say. Keep doing what you're doing. The game has changed over the years. If he can stay healthy, he's going to star for a long time. But if you're not healthy, you can't play.”
Article Continues BelowThe advice carries particular significance given Sampson's own career, which was affected by injuries after an impressive start that included Rookie of the Year honors and a trip to the 1986 NBA Finals with the Rockets.
Meanwhile, Wembanyama enters the new season with heightened expectations after helping transform San Antonio into a championship contender under head coach Mitch Johnson.
With James, Curry and Durant approaching the latter stages of their careers, Sampson believes Wembanyama has the potential to lead the NBA's next generation of superstars.
For the Spurs, the immediate priority remains building on last season's Finals appearance and competing for the franchise's sixth NBA championship.