Victor Wembanyama was the most hyped NBA prospect since Lebron James, so it’s safe to say that fans had high expectations for the 7-foot-4, do-it-all center when he entered the league.
With the massive expectations, critics questioned if he would live up to the staggering hype.
Well at the All-Star break, it’s safe to say the Frenchman has been everything San Antonio expected.
The first three months of his career were a trying time for Wembanyama. He was looking to find his footing in the league, improve his shot selection, and adjust to the increased speed of the NBA.
He has adjusted. Since January, Wembanyama has been lighting up the league, averaging 23 ppg (on 50/36/80 splits), 10 rpg and 3.5 apg.
These numbers can be largely attributed to Spurs head coach Greg Popovich moving Zach Collins out of the starting lineup and Wembenyama down to center, along with allowing for the only true point guard on the team, Tre Jones, to start.
These stats are even more impressive when you consider that his Spurs teammates have missed the 2023 No. 1 overall pick on a number of open alley-oops this season. They are still learning how to play with a 7-foot 4-slasher.
On defense, Wembenyama has arguably been just as good as he has on offense. He is currently the only player in the NBA averaging more than 3.0 bpg.
He has moved from the underdog in the Rookie-of-the-Year race to the heavy favorite. He is currently at -649 to win the award and also sits at the third best odds for Defensive Player-of-the-Year at +2500 via BetMGM Sportsbook.
The tallest player in the NBA has shown that he can beat you in a variety of ways, whether it’s scoring 38 as he did in just his fifth NBA game against Phoenix, or posting a 10-block triple double like he did on Feb. 12 in Toronto.
The only thing that San Antonio has come up short on this year is wins. The Spurs are the youngest team in the league, however, with an average age of 23.5 years.
Once this team gains more experience, wins are sure to follow.
With all the talk on who will be the new face of the league once Lebron retires, don’t be surprised if it’s Victor Wembanyama for the next generation.
