March has confirmed to be an impressive month for Victor Wembanyama. He has orchestrated two spectacular back-to-back victories towards playoff-caliber groups, notably toppling the Western Convention leaders, the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder. It was topped off Monday as he obtained the February Rookie of the Month award, marking his second consecutive win on this class.
This exceptional feat has solidified Wembanyama’s place as a frontrunner for the coveted Rookie of the Yr award. On a grander scale, his defensive dominance has flourished in current months, positioning him as a robust candidate for the celebrated All-Defensive Staff.
Wemby final 8 video games:
10 BLK | 2 STL 3 BLK | 1 STL5 BLK | 5 STL5 BLK | 5 STL5 BLK | 1 STL4 BLK | 2 STL5 BLK | 2 STL6 BLK | 1 STL
Whereas additionally averaging 25/12/5 on 50/40% taking pictures. https://t.co/8K37fvqRJ3
— StatMuse (@statmuse) March 4, 2024
Over the past eight video games, Wembanyama has showcased a rare common of seven.75 Shares per recreation. He’s additionally main the league in whole blocks, with 186. His defensive affect extends past the sheer variety of blocks; he has managed to discourage opponents from attacking the rim when he’s on the court docket. Notably, the opposition’s rim assaults drop to 33.6% when Wembanyama isn’t taking part in, in comparison with 37.7% when he’s off the court docket.
Opponents are taking pictures 34% on nook 3s with Wemby within the recreation and 44% with him out, per PBPStats.
Whereas there may be some variance concerned in opponent 3 level taking pictures, I believe having him patrol the paint permits the opposite gamers to stay to shooters extra successfully.
— Collin Reid (@CollinReidPS) March 4, 2024
Wembanyama’s imposing presence influences the general defensive technique of the staff. Groups are pressured to accept midrange pictures to keep away from the rookie’s shot-blocking prowess on the rim. This affect ripples by way of to his teammates, licensing them to play extra assertive protection on their assignments, understanding Wembanyama is close by to assist.
If Wembanyama continues this spectacular defensive show of shot-blocking and steals, he might emerge as a critical contender for the Defensive Participant of the Yr award, difficult established names like Rudy Gobert. The Spurs are undoubtedly witnessing the rise of a defensive drive of their rookie sensation.
In mild of Wemby’s impactful protection, second-year wing Jeremy Sohan aptly captures the sentiment.
Requested Jeremy concerning the gradual however regular defensive enhancements over the course of the season. An excellent all-around reply, however one line is carrying numerous weight right here:
“It’s fuckin’ Vic.” pic.twitter.com/v610CZQLaU
— Matthew Tynan (@Matthew_Tynan) March 4, 2024
It’s not a typo – the Spurs have been blessed with a lineage of proficient bigs, and Wemby stands because the promising torchbearer. His rookie marketing campaign is carving out a spot in basketball historical past.
There are solely 3 rookies in NBA historical past with 30+ factors, 5+ assists and 5+ blocks in a recreation:
⚫️ David Robinson (2 instances)⚫️ Tim Duncan⚫️ Victor Wembanyama (2 instances)
All 3 have been huge males have been drafted #1 general by the San Antonio Spurs pic.twitter.com/JrZSLsI0dM
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) March 4, 2024
As for Wemby’s persistently spectacular performances, is a nightly 20/10/5/5 stat line the brand new regular for him?
Victor’s stats vs IND : 31 PTS, 12 REB, 6 AST, 6 BLK@wemby joined David Robinson and Tim Duncan as the one rookies in NBA Historical past to have 30+ factors, 10+ rebounds, 5+ assists, and 5+ blocks in a single recreation! pic.twitter.com/Hi1EIOQhul
— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) March 4, 2024
Wemby epitomizes the modern-day basketball participant, showcasing versatility throughout the whole court docket. Sam Joseph’s article captures this essence effectively by dubbing him
