For the reason that return to basketball post-All-Star break, the San Antonio Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama has been nothing wanting distinctive. Averaging a powerful 22.7 factors, 11 rebounds, 4.7 assists, 3.7 steals, and 5 blocks per recreation, Wemby’s efficiency on the court docket has captured consideration. Notably, he narrowly missed attaining back-to-back 5/5/5/5/5 video games by one help…solely to attain it the very subsequent night time.
Wembanyama’s evolution right into a hyper-productive participant is obvious, attaining these outstanding numbers in lower than half-hour per recreation. This prompts intriguing questions concerning the rookie’s potential, given his youthful age, restricted NBA expertise, and restricted enjoying time.
Contemplating the usual enjoying time for a staff’s prime gamers is round 35 minutes per recreation, one can’t assist however marvel what extra Wemby may accomplish with extra enjoying time. The present efficiency may simply be the tip of the iceberg for the 20-year-old.
Victor Wembanyama this season:
• Quickest participant to succeed in 1K+ PTS, 500+ REB, and 150+ BLK of their profession ( 1423 minutes )
• First participant in NBA historical past to common a 5×5 over a two-game span
• Youngest participant to report a 5×5 recreation (solely 15 gamers have ever had a 5×5 recreation)… pic.twitter.com/iuCC1ry71H
— Spurs Tradition (@SpursCulture) February 24, 2024
Inspecting the achievements listed above makes it tough to argue that that is the ground of Wembanyama’s capabilities. Nevertheless, when factoring in his age, restricted minutes, and the challenges posed by a below-par supporting forged, optimism prevails. Because the Spurs gear up for potential offseason strikes to bolster the staff, the prospect of enhancing Wemby’s supporting forged turns into much more thrilling. (Insert Trae Younger rumors right here)
The Hawks now have a chance to guage the roster with out Trae.
If it goes badly it:1. Will increase the probability that the Spurs get Toronto’s FRP this year2. Will increase the strain Atlanta will really feel to get their very own picks again from SA in any Trae commerce. https://t.co/4o1JA0Evxi
— Tom Petrini (@RealTomPetrini) February 25, 2024
In all seriousness, including extra expert gamers round Wemby will undoubtedly elevate his recreation. Whereas we frequently say the sky’s the restrict in such conditions, Wembanyama’s extraterrestrial expertise prompts us to suppose past, suggesting that the universe is really the restrict for this distinctive rookie.
All the time a pleasure to obtain reward from the King himself.
“I’ve stated it from the start. He’s particular, and he has an unbelievable coach that is gonna be sure he does issues the fitting method… He’s gonna proceed to get higher.”
LeBron James had excessive reward for Victor Wembanyama
(through @ESPNNBA / YT)pic.twitter.com/2QZmmNCn37
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 24, 2024
The rookie’s defensive prowess has been extensively documented, making a compelling case to be included within the Defensive Participant of the Yr award dialog.
Unsurprisingly, Wemby must also make the primary All-Defensive Staff.
Solely 5 rookies in NBA historical past – Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Hakeem Olajuwon, Manute Bol, David Robinson, Tim Duncan – have made All-Protection as a rookie
Wemby deserves to turn out to be the sixth https://t.co/1P6sH96cgD
— Brett Usher (@UsherNBA) February 25, 2024
In a latest play, Wemby got here inches from securing a steal, seemingly resulting in an open layup for John Collins. Nevertheless, Wemby’s eight-foot attain swooped in on the final minute, leading to a powerful block.
The query arises: how is it attainable for a 7’4” 20-year-old rookie to deal with the ball with such finesse? Wemby possesses what may very well be thought of some of the spectacular ability units ever witnessed.
