Victor Wembanyama named NBA rookie of the year
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama has had an extraordinary debut season in the NBA, clinching the prestigious Rookie of the Year award unanimously.
Wembanyama’s remarkable achievement marks him as the first player since Karl-Anthony Towns in 2015–16 to receive all 99 first-place votes from selected media members.
The 20-year-old sensation becomes the third Spurs player to claim this honor, following in the footsteps of Tim Duncan (1997–98) and David Robertson (1989–90). Additionally, he is the first French player in history to be bestowed with this distinction.
Chet Holmgren, the center from Oklahoma City, was the runner-up, receiving votes in 98 out of 99, highlighting Wembanyama’s dominant performance.
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Wembanyama lived up to the hype surrounding him, delivering an exceptional rookie season. He achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first player in NBA history to tally at least 1,500 points, 700 rebounds, 250 assists, 250 blocks, and 100 3-pointers in a single season. Regarded as one of the most promising prospects since LeBron James in 2003, Wembanyama’s impact on the court was undeniable.
Standing tall at 7-foot-4, Wembanyama showcased his defensive prowess by leading the league in both total blocks (254) and blocks per game (3.6), a feat only achieved by one other rookie in NBA history. His versatile skill set was further highlighted by joining the ranks of basketball legends Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Hakeem Olajuwon, and Robinson as the only players to record 1,500 points, 250 assists, and 250 blocks in a single season.
Finishing the season with impressive averages of 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.2 steals per game across 71 games, Wembanyama has undoubtedly made his mark in the NBA as a rising star to watch.
