Current:Home > ContactNo. 1 picks Victor Wembanyama and Connor Bedard meet: The long and short of it -Blueprint Money Mastery
No. 1 picks Victor Wembanyama and Connor Bedard meet: The long and short of it
View
Date:2025-04-13 04:49:25
Connor Bedard and Victor Wembanyama were giants of pre-draft hype in their respective sports, and it paid off for the generational talents.
Bedard was taken No. 1 overall by the NHL's Chicago Blackhawks and Wembanyama went first to the NBA's San Antonio Spurs after those teams won their sport's draft lottery.
But Bedard is on the small side for an NHL player, and Wembanyama is tall – really tall – for an NBA player. They had a chance to meet on Thursday with the Spurs in Chicago to face the Bulls.
The size difference is pretty amazing, with Bedard not even coming close to Wembanyama's shoulder. Here's the long and short of their visit:
How tall are Victor Wembanyama and Connor Bedard?
Wembanyama is 7-foot, 4 inches, tied for the tallest player currently in the NBA with Houston Rockets center Boban Marjanovic. Those two are 7 inches taller than the tallest player in NHL history, 6-9 Zdeno Chara.
Bedard is 5-10. He wouldn't be the shortest if he played in the NBA this season. That status goes to Toronto Raptors guard Markquis Nowell at 5-7.
What did Bedard and Wembanyama do during their meeting?
Bedard showed Wembanyama how to take shots on net. The NBA rookie won a faceoff from Bedard.
What do two generational talents say to each other?
They had heard of the other person before their meeting. Wembanyama said he had not watched a full hockey game but, "I love when people just start fighting. It just looks out of this world." Asked if he had been in a fight, Bedard said he hadn't and explained that fighting isn't as prevalent nowadays as it was in the 1980s.
How are Bedard and Wembanyama doing in their first seasons?
Both are in the mix for rookie of the year. Bedard entered Thursday's games leading all NHL rookies with 12 goals, 16 assists and 28 points. He was nine points ahead of runner-up Adam Fantilli of the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Wembanyama, heading into Thursday, leads NBA rookies in points (19.0), rebounds (11.0), blocks (3.0) and steals (2.7) per game. He's second in minutes per game. Oklahoma City's Chet Holmgren also is among the rookie of the year favorites.
How are their teams faring?
The NBA and NHL are team sports, and one sensational rookie won't turn around a lottery team. The Spurs are last in the Western Conference at 4-22. The Blackhawks are second to last in the NHL with a 10-20-1 record.
veryGood! (3)
Related
- Warm inflation data keep S&P 500, Dow, Nasdaq under wraps before Fed meeting next week
- The push for school choice in Nebraska is pitting lawmakers against their constituents
- Georgia prosecutors renew challenge of a law they say undermines their authority
- ABBA, Blondie, The Notorious B.I.G. among 2024's additions to National Recording Registry
- Federal appeals court upholds $14.25 million fine against Exxon for pollution in Texas
- The hard part is over for Caitlin Clark. Now, she has WNBA draft class to share spotlight
- Meghan Markle’s First Product From Lifestyle Brand American Riviera Orchard Revealed
- Draft report says Missouri’s House speaker stymied ethics investigation into his spending
- 'No Good Deed': Who's the killer in the Netflix comedy? And will there be a Season 2?
- Boston Marathon winners hope victories will earn them spot in Paris Olympics
Ranking
- 'Most Whopper
- Rico Wade: Hip-hop community, Atlanta react to the death of the legendary producer
- DeSantis tweaks Florida book challenge law, blames liberal activist who wanted Bible out of schools
- Yoto Mini Speakers for children recalled due to burn and fire hazards
- The Louvre will be renovated and the 'Mona Lisa' will have her own room
- How one Chicago teacher is working to help Black kids break into baseball
- Idaho’s ban on youth gender-affirming care has families desperately scrambling for solutions
- Gayle King and Charles Barkley end 'King Charles' CNN talk show run after 6 months
Recommendation
Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Triathlon
IRS reprieve: Places granted tax relief due to natural disasters
Ex-Marine sentenced to 9 years in prison for firebombing California Planned Parenthood clinic
Hit up J. Crew Factory for up to 75% off Timeless Styles That Will Give Your Wardrobe a Summer Refresh
The Daily Money: Spending more on holiday travel?
Katy Perry Reveals Amazing Singer She Wants to Replace Her on American Idol
Man gets 37-year sentence for kidnapping FBI employee in South Dakota
'Scrubs' stars gather for a mini reunion: 'Getting the band back together!'