Victor Wembanyama: San Antonio Spurs forward wins NBA Rookie of the Year

Victor Wembanyama: San Antonio Spurs forward wins NBA Rookie of the Year

Tosin Abayomi 17:10 - 07.05.2024

San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama wins NBA Rookie of the Year.

San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama wrapped up an incredible NBA season debut by earning the unanimous award for Rookie of the Year.

Wembanyama became the first player to win the award unanimously since Minnesota Timberwolves star Karl-Anthony Towns in 2015–16 after receiving all 99 first-place votes from chosen media members.

The highly anticipated 20-year-old is the third Spurs Rookie of the Year recipient, behind Tim Duncan (1997–98) and David Robertson (1989–90).

In the history of the prize, Wembanyama is also the first French player to receive this distinction.

Chet Holmgren, the center from Oklahoma City, was selected as the runner-up almost unanimously, receiving votes in 98 out of 99.

In the vote, Miami Heat forward Jaime Jaquez Jr., Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II, Golden State Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski, and Charlotte Hornets forward Brandon Miller came in third and fourth, respectively.

Wembanyama followed up to his considerable hype by being the first player in league history with at least 1,500 points, 700 rebounds, 250 assists, 250 blocks, and 100 3-pointers made in a season. He was regarded as maybe the NBA's best prospect since LeBron James in 2003.

San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama wins NBA Rookie of the Year.
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama wins NBA Rookie of the Year.

The 7-foot-4 phenomenon became only the second rookie to finish first in the league in blocks (254) and blocks per game (3.6), leading the way in both categories.

Wembanyama joins Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Hakeem Olajuwon, and Robinson as the only players in NBA history to record 1,500 points, 250 assists, and 250 blocks in a season.

Wembanyama concluded with averages of 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.2 steals per game in 71 games overall.

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