Victor Wembanyama's drafting by the San Antonio Spurs propelled viewership to record ratings.
His Summer League game was also the second-most-watched game in SL history.
His road to the NBA was well covered by the media. The hype is real.
Former Spurs Tracy McGrady is not among those sold on the hype. To him, the media coverage for the French rookie seems to be going overboard.
"It's too much, bro. I've seen this before," he said in an interview with GQ to promote his Ones Basketball League, which he dubs the UFC of the NBA.
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The seven-time All-Star explained that Wembanyama's skill set is not new; thus, he believes the media is just looking for a new star to become the face of the NBA.
"Y'all act like you haven't seen it," he added.
"That shit that Bol Bol can do? He's just not given the real opportunity like I think he should. That kid is skilled. [Kristaps] Porzingis was highly skilled when he first came out, just like that. And hell, he's 7-3, too. So I've seen it. The hype is just crazy. But I get it. It's the media, they're looking for a face for the NBA, and you got to have a new star that you got to build around."
Advice for Wembanyama
While skeptical about the hype surrounding the 19-year-old, he believes the young man is in a great position to become great since he is already surrounded by greatness.
"One of the greatest coaches ever, greatest power forward ever, one of the greatest centers ever," McGrady said.
"Sit down and have those conversations with those guys, and just soak up all the advice you possibly could."
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