Victor Wembanyama entered the NBA with sky-high expectations, and yet, he's already exceeding them. In just his second season, the 7'4" Spurs sensation dominates both ends of the court, redefining what's possible for a player of his size and skill. With historic numbers, elite defense, and a growing offensive arsenal, Wembanyama isn't just living up to the hype – he's changing the game.
People started talking about Victor Wembanyma when he was a child because they felt they were dealing with a player capable of being truly revolutionary. Therefore, his path to the NBA was almost natural.
Everything around him was managed in such a way that his potential could be maximized as he came to the NBA.
A team of professionals followed Wembanyama almost scientifically, managing his gigantic body in the best possible way.
Indiana Pacers
San Antonio Spurs
Los Angeles Clippers
Milwaukee Bucks
Miami Heat
Memphis GrizzliesUpon his landing in the NBA, the French player was fortunate enough to be selected with the first overall pick by the San Antonio Spurs, one of the best franchises in the NBA, in handling young talent and developing them in the right way.
Already in his rookie season in the NBA, Wembanyama impressed almost everyone with his combination of incredible defensive skills, uncommon technical abilities for a player of his 7'4" size (more than 221 cm and with really endless arms), and remarkable maturity for a 20-year-old.
In his first season in the NBA, the French player was named the NBA Rookie of the Year and was the best shot blocker in the entire league. He was also named to the All-Defensive First Team, a series of truly incredible accolades for a first-time NBA player.
Inevitably, the expectations for Wembanyama's second season in the NBA were very high, but the French player is doing everything to go even further, reaching historic highs.
Wembanyama had ended his rookie season, averaging 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 4 assists, 3.6 blocks, and 1.2 steals per game.
So far this season, the French big man has increased virtually every one of his personal statistics. Points per game (24.5), blocks (3.9), and rebounds (10.8) are on the rise, and shooting percentages are also improving.
Last season, Wembanyama shot 46.5 percent from the field and 32.5 percent from 3-point range. This season, the Frenchman shoots 47.6 percent from the field and 35 percent from 3-point range.
At this rate, Wembanyama could become the player with the best numbers in his second NBA season in several decades.
In fact, to find a player with better numbers than Wembanyama in his second season in the NBA, you have to go back to the 1980s when Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was already dominating the league.
While Wembanyama's offensive game is still evolving, it already showcases impressive versatility. However, it is on the defensive end where the French player is truly making his mark across the NBA.
Not only is Wembanyama the best shot blocker in the league, but his way of controlling the rim is clearly making him the best defender in the league, already in his second year in the NBA.
His way of changing how opponents think when they approach the basket is rarely seen in recent league history.
A prime example of his ability to make opponents think more is a game a few weeks ago against the Denver Nuggets.
In the final seconds, Wembanyama forced Nikola Jokic to change his mind about taking a shot away from the basket with his block attempt, thanks to his very long arms. As a result, Jokic attempted a rather forced pass, which was intercepted by the San Antonio defense.
His presence on the court completely changes how opponents think, and there is a feeling that this kind of defensive dominance will only increase in the coming years.
It's not just his teammates who appreciate his presence – his opponents also recognize how challenging Wembanyama makes their experience on the court.
"He's always in range to block a shot, to change a shot. It's more different when he's on the floor than any other player that I've played against," said Damian Lillard after a recent game between the Bucks and the Spurs.
If one of the best scorers in recent NBA history does make a statement like that, it is pretty obvious that Wembanyama is really changing the perception of the entire NBA because of his incredible defensive skills.
When Wembanyama is on the court, the San Antonio Spurs defense is nearly 11 points per 100 possessions better compared to when the Frenchman is on the bench. It's a figure that virtually no other NBA player with significant minutes can generate.
San Antonio also concedes nearly 5 percent fewer layups and dunks when the French player is on the court.
Wembanyama's rim protection also represents a way to generate offense for the Spurs. San Antonio can often get off to a fastbreak thanks to Wemby's blocks and intimidation skills.
As reported by The Athletic, the San Antonio Spurs score an impressive 1.37 points per possession after a Wembanyama rejection that remains inbound.
Wembanyama's presence on the court really generates fear in opponents, who are often led to change their offensive plans.
"It just strikes fear in the opponent's hearts. That's the best part about it," Julian Champagnie, Wembanyama's teammate, explained after a recent win.
"When you have a guy like him who blocks almost every shot, anybody who's going to the basket has always that fear in him and looks around himself to see if Wemby is coming," he added.
In less than two full seasons in the NBA, Wembanyama already appears to have accomplished what many predicted when he was just a kid: changing the game.
Imagining how much more he can improve in the near future is both exciting and terrifying, especially for those who will be up against him.
