Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs was introduced to Connor Bedard of the Chicago Blackhawks, and as a result, the NHL and NBA first overall choices crossed paths in Chicago. Both players have been hailed as once-in-a-generation stars, with the 7-foot-4 Wembanyama’s extraordinary height and remarkable scoring ability getting as much attention as the 5-foot-10 Bedard’s speed and skill. The meeting was scheduled between the two top picks in their respective sports’ 2023 drafts while Wembanyama was in Chicago visiting the Bulls. With Bedard on hand to offer advice, Wemby attempted puck shooting and a faceoff. The Blackhawks provided a quick preview of what to anticipate during a sit-down with the two players in an interview that will air with the NHL.
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Top NBA pick Victor Wembanyama (L) met with top NHL pick Connor Bedard (R)
‘I don’t know much about hockey,’ Wembanyama admitted to Bedard, ‘I read a little bit before coming here.
‘You’re at the start of your career. I had heard of you, like, way before. I just started learning a little bit more, it’s dope. Congrats.’
Bedard told Wembanyama, ‘I’ve been following [you] a lot,’ before asking the Frenchman if he’s ever seen a hockey game before.
‘Full game? No, but I love when people just start fighting. It just looks out of this world.’
Wembanyama then questioned whether fighting occurs constantly, to which the Canadian answered, “probably not now, if you look at like the 1980s and stuff it’s like ten times a game.” Quite insane. Still, I’m not sure; perhaps every other game.
With outstanding scoring thus far, the two rookies are leading their class this season. Wembanyama shot the ball about as effectively as Bedard shot the hockey, going 3-for-8 from the field in Thursday’s game against the Bulls.
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The couple planned a sit-down conversation for publication at a later date. In the 114-95 loss against Chicago, he had seven points, five rebounds, five assists, two steals, and three blocks. His next game is on Saturday night against the strong Dallas Mavericks. Bedard plays his next game at home against the Montreal Canadiens.