Victor Wembanyama just had (perhaps) the best rookie season ever in the history of the NBA. His performance was a bright spot in an otherwise disappointing season for the San Antonio Spurs, who finished 14th in the Western Conference with a 22-60 record. Despite the team’s struggles, Wembanyama’s skills and potential have set high hopes for the future of the franchise.
Despite his offensive prowess, his defense was one of his major strengths as he is in the mix for Defensive Player of the Year, leading the NBA in blocks per game with 3.6 and with an imposing height of 7’4”, even the best players in the world fear Wemby at the paint.
Wembanyama’s rookie season was not without its challenges. He had to adapt to the fast-paced NBA offense and guard some of the best players in basketball. In an interview with The Ringer, he candidly spoke about the toughest players he had to face, citing two in particular. His willingness to face these challenges head-on is a testament to his dedication and potential.
Kevin Durant is up there but Jokic as well because yeah, Jokic as well, even though after each game I played him I think I defended him better and better and read his game better and better but I mean I just know he’s gonna come next year with new weapons you know new tricks
Wemby’s unreal rookie season
Across his 71 games this season, Wembanyama became the first NBA player ever to score at least 1,500 points, block 250 shots, and knock down 100 3-pointers — all in the same year. By contrast, James’ rookie season in 2003/04 (granted, a much different time in the NBA) saw him average fewer points per game and make fewer threes despite playing nearly 40 minutes per night.
Wembanyama is probable to win Rookie of the Year honors, despite fierce competition from Oklahoma City’s Chet Holmgren. He averaged better than 21 points and 10 rebounds per game — a double-double for the season — and led the NBA in blocks with 3.6 swats per contest.
Wembanyama hit five 3-pointers in a game on three occasions and also showed great potential as a passer, notching at least seven assists in nine different games. Perhaps most impressively, Wembanyama did all this damage while being handled with kid gloves by head coach Gregg Popovich — Wemby’s season average for minutes settled at just under 30 per game.
