Former NBA player Jeff Teague recently ignited a heated conversation among basketball fans by expressing his preference for Paolo Banchero over Victor Wembanyama in the ongoing Victor Wembanyama NBA debate. During a podcast appearance in July 2025, Teague’s remarks challenged popular opinions surrounding the rising Spurs star.

Jeff Teague’s Podcast Remarks Stir Controversy

On the Club 520 Podcast, Teague discussed various league topics and made the surprising claim that he would choose Banchero instead of Wembanyama. He explained his perspective by emphasizing what he had witnessed on the court rather than Wembanyama’s hype.

The reason I say he’s better than Wemby is because Wemby ain’t really did nothing. We just like Wemby because he’s a freak… He’s a phenomenal player, but I’m just going to go with what I see,

Teague said.

This statement quickly caught the attention of fans and media alike, sparking widespread debate and mixed reactions on social media platforms. Many questioned Teague’s assessment, given Wembanyama’s status as a highly touted talent with impressive early career numbers.

Fan Reactions Highlight the Divide Over Wembanyama and Banchero

The comments triggered a flurry of responses from fans who debated the merits and shortcomings of both players. While some agreed that Wembanyama had yet to fully prove himself due to injuries, others defended his potential and current performance.

He’s 100% correct Wemby is injury prone.

— Fan

and what has paolo done? lead his team to a first round exit?

— Fan

Wemby is already a better defensive player than Paolo is all around player.

— Sports enthusiast

Other reactions ranged from dismissive to incredulous:

What drugs are Jeff Teague on.

— Fan

Not a soul on this planet less articulate than a black athlete.

— Fan

I’ve heard enough, he can be gm of the kings.

— Fan

Several fans appreciated Teague’s honesty despite disagreements, with one adding, Not a terrible take.

Context on Wembanyama’s Challenging 2024-25 Season

Wembanyama encountered significant setbacks during the 2024-25 NBA season, sidelined due to a serious health issue. On February 20, he was diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder, forcing him out for the remainder of the season. Prior to that, he posted strong statistics, averaging 24.3 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game while leading the league with 3.8 blocks in 46 appearances.

This injury has fueled conversations about his durability and overall impact relative to other emerging stars like Banchero, who has had a full season to showcase his skills.

Teague’s Other Controversial Statements and Reactions

Jeff Teague has not shied away from controversy recently, also stirring debate with a claim regarding Los Angeles Lakers icon LeBron James. He suggested James used steroids during his Miami Heat tenure but retracted the comment shortly after it went viral. This history contributes to the intense scrutiny Teague faces whenever he shares views on prominent NBA figures.

Significance of the Debate and What Lies Ahead

The discussion sparked by Jeff Teague’s comments highlights the intense divide in opinion surrounding Victor Wembanyama’s early career trajectory and how it compares to Paolo Banchero’s development. As both players continue to evolve, these debates tap into larger questions about potential, health, and impact within the NBA landscape.

With Wembanyama recovering and expected to return next season, fans and analysts will closely watch how his game progresses, which could either reinforce or challenge Teague’s viewpoint. Similarly, Banchero’s performance in high-stakes situations remains under the microscope, making this comparison a dynamic storyline heading into the future of the league.