Victor Wembanyama arrived in the NBA surrounded by sky-high expectations — and somehow, he’s already exceeding them.
In his rookie season with the San Antonio Spurs, the 7-foot-4 French phenom has done something no NBA rookie has achieved since David Robinson in 1990: lead his team in points, blocks, and steals. At just 20 years old, Wembanyama is proving he’s not only the real deal — he might be a generational talent.
Dominance on Both Ends of the Floor
Wembanyama’s stat line for the 2023–24 season has been nothing short of jaw-dropping:
21.4 points per game
10.6 rebounds per game
3.6 blocks per game (NBA leader)
1.3 steals per game
2.9 assists per game
His combination of size, mobility, and skill has made him a nightmare for opposing teams. Whether it’s swatting shots into the stands, handling the ball like a guard, or draining threes from the top of the key, “Wemby” has brought something to the league that fans have never quite seen before — a 7-footer with a wing’s agility and a point guard’s instincts.
And despite playing on a struggling Spurs team, he’s been the team’s most consistent force — and its future.
Historical Company: Wemby Joins The Admiral
Before Wembanyama, the last Spurs rookie to lead the team in points, blocks, and steals was David Robinson, a Hall of Famer and one of the greatest big men in NBA history. Robinson averaged 24.3 points, 12 rebounds, and 3.9 blocks per game in 1989–90 — earning Rookie of the Year honors and instantly turning San Antonio into a playoff contender.
While the 2023–24 Spurs are rebuilding, Wembanyama’s impact has been just as profound. His defensive presence alone alters entire game plans, and his offense is improving every night. He’s already notched several 30-point, double-digit rebound games, and is often tasked with defending the opponent’s best frontcourt player — and sometimes even guards.
IQ Beyond His Years
One of the most impressive parts of Wembanyama’s game is his basketball IQ. He reads defenses, rotates on help-side blocks, and makes the extra pass like a seasoned veteran. His decision-making, especially in clutch moments, has earned praise from coaches across the league.
Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich, known for rarely gushing over rookies, said:
> “Victor’s a once-in-a-generation kind of player. He wants to learn, he works hard, and he’s humble. The kid’s going to be scary good.”
A Global Sensation
Wembanyama is already the biggest international rookie sensation since Luka Dončić — and arguably the most hyped since LeBron James. With fans tuning in from France, Europe, and around the world, the NBA’s global reach is expanding again — with Wemby at the center.
He’s also generating comparisons to some of the greatest to ever play:
The length and shot-blocking of Rudy Gobert
The skillset of Kevin Durant
The fluidity of Giannis Antetokounmpo
The impact of Tim Duncan and David Robinson
That’s a lot of pressure. But so far? Wembanyama seems built for it.
What’s Next for Wemby?
While Rookie of the Year seems almost inevitable unless injuries intervene, the real excitement lies in what Wembanyama can become over the next few seasons. With cap space, a top draft pick incoming, and a legendary coach guiding him, San Antonio may be quietly building its next dynasty.
For now, though, Victor Wembanyama has already made history — and we’re just getting started.
