ESPN’s Marty Smith may have taken the Victor Wembanyama hype to the next level — and he was promptly roasted for it.
Heading into the 2023 NBA Draft, the hype around Wembanyama — who was taken by No. 1 by the Spurs — had been otherworldly.
And with that in mind, Smith received a special assignment ahead of draft day – get a Wembanyama-themed haircut.
Smith, who’s known for his coverage on motorsports and enthusiastic calls, went to the famous Mr. Joe Barber Shop in San Antonio, a business known for cutting the likeness of Spurs players into hair.
Smith got his special cut with a portrait of Wembanyama on the back of his head.
“Show them what you’ve done,” Smith said once the cut was done. “I’ve not seen it yet. What is in the back of my head right now, Joe? A portrait of Victor Wembanyama in the back of my head.”
The portrait of Wembanyama was also accompanied by an ESPN logo, and, according to Smith, that inclusion to the haircut made him “the greatest company man in the history of ESPN.”
But for the ridiculous stunt, Smith was torched on social media, with one user saying, “Maybe it’s just me but it kinda looks like the lead singer of Muse.”
Another called the look “hideous,” although some liked it, as one user dubbed it “next level.”
After the pick was actually made, Smith — rocking a cowboy hat, jeans shorts and cowboy boots — called the French prospect’s new city “Wembantonio.”
But if anyone in the draft deserved the attention and the haircut based on their likeness, it’s the 7-foot-4 Wembanyama.
The 19-year-old averaged 21.6 points and 10.4 points per game along with three blocks to lead his squad to the championship round in the LNB Pro A league.
Experts have predicted that Wembanyama can be one of the elite players in the game that can take home numerous awards.
But for now, he can settle for the one crazy haircut.
