Yardbarker
x
Victor Wembanyama Reveals What He Is Most Proud Of In Rookie Season
Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Victor Wembanyama recently reflected on his remarkable debut season in the NBA. With an impressive stat line and numerous accolades under his belt, Wembanyama expressed pride in his accomplishments, particularly in two key areas. 

"I would say, what I'm most proud of, I'd say is, I mean there's a couple things. One thing that I just like is having those unique stat lines, for example, in wins."

"And also being, yeah, leading rookies in most categories and leading the league in blocks. I'm pretty proud of this." 

Firstly, Wembanyama highlighted his satisfaction with his unique stat lines, especially in wins. Throughout the season, he achieved statistical feats that had never been accomplished before, showcasing his versatility and impact on the court. Averaging 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.2 steals, and a league-leading 3.6 blocks per game, Wembanyama's contributions were instrumental in the Spurs' success.

Secondly, Wembanyama emphasized his pride in leading rookies in most statistical categories and topping the league in blocks. His defensive prowess was particularly notable, as he tallied more steals and blocks than a decade's worth of Defensive Player of the Year winners. With 254 blocks on the season, he dominated the paint and deterred opponents with his shot-blocking ability.

Despite his impressive rookie campaign, Wembanyama remains focused on his long-term development and potential. He believes that he is only at 15% of his absolute prime version, indicating his determination to continue evolving and reaching new heights in his career. With his talent, work ethic, and dedication to improvement, Wembanyama is poised to make a significant impact in the league for years to come.

As the Spurs look to build around their young star and maximize his potential, Wembanyama's future appears bright. With his unparalleled skill set and unwavering commitment to success, he is positioned to become a cornerstone of the franchise and a perennial All-Star in the NBA.

Fans eagerly anticipate witnessing his continued growth and contributions on the court as he embarks on what promises to be a remarkable career.

Victor Wembanyama's Rookie Records

Victor Wembanyama's rookie season in the NBA has rewritten the record books, leaving a lasting mark on the league's history. The young phenom has shattered numerous records and achieved feats previously thought impossible for a rookie player. According to Spurs Culture, Wemby has either smashed or ties 22 records this season.

1. Youngest player in NBA history to have a 40-20 game

2. Only player in NBA history with 1500+ PTS, 250+ BLK, and 100+ 3PT in a single season

3. 4th player ever to have 1500+ PTS, 250+ AST, and 250+ BLK in a season (Kareem, Hakeem Olajuwon, and David Robinson are the other 3)

4. Fastest player to reach 1K+ PTS, 500+ REB, and 150+ BLK in their career (1423 minutes) 

5. First player in NBA history to average a 5x5 over a two-game span 

6.Youngest player to record a 5x5 game (only 15 players have ever had a 5x5 game)

7. Youngest player to record a 20-20 game

8. Youngest player to record a triple-double with blocks

9. Youngest center to record a triple-double

10. Youngest player in NBA history to record a triple-double with 0 turnovers

11. ONLY player in NBA history to average at least 20 PTS, 10 REB, 3 BLK, and one 3-pointer per game

12. ONLY player in NBA history to have 250+ BLK, 250+ AST, and 100+ threes in a season

13. 2nd player ever to record back-to-back 5+ STL, 5+ BLK games (MJ is the other player)

14. 2nd player ever to record 25+ PTS, 10+ REB, 5+ AST, 5+ STL, and 5+ BLK in a game (Hakeem Olajuwon is the other player)

15. Averaged at least 20 PTS, 10 REB, 3 BLK in a season, last player to do this was MVP Shaq

16.Most Consecutive Double-Doubles by a Teenager in NBA History

17. 2nd-youngest player to record 10 blocks in a game

18. Led the NBA in blocks with 3.6

19. Led the NBA in stocks (stls + blocks) with 4.8

20. First rookie with 300+ stocks since Shaq

21. Blocks this season: Wemby - 3.6, Heat - 3.4

22. Wemby finished rookie season averaging 21.4 PPG, 10.6 RPG, 3.9 APG, 1.2 SPG, and 3.6 BPG, becoming the first player in post-merger NBA history to average those numbers or better for a season

At just the tender age of entering the NBA, Wembanyama etched his name into the annals of basketball history with a string of remarkable accomplishments. His unparalleled talent and versatility on the court have set him apart from his peers and established him as a force to be reckoned with in the league.

Among his many groundbreaking achievements, Wembanyama became the youngest player in NBA history to record a 40-20 game, showcasing his dominance in scoring and rebounding at an early stage of his career. This feat alone speaks volumes about his extraordinary abilities and the impact he has had on the game.

But Wembanyama's excellence goes beyond individual performances. He is the only player in NBA history to amass over 1500 points, 250 blocks, and 100 three-pointers in a single season, highlighting his rare combination of scoring prowess, shot-blocking ability, and outside shooting proficiency.

Furthermore, Wembanyama joins an elite group of legends, including Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Hakeem Olajuwon, and David Robinson, as one of only four players to achieve 1500+ points, 250+ assists, and 250+ blocks in a season. This places him in esteemed company and underscores the historic nature of his rookie campaign.

In addition to his statistical achievements, Wembanyama has also demonstrated his defensive prowess, leading the league in blocks with an impressive average of 3.6 per game. His ability to protect the rim and deter opponents from scoring has been a game-changer for his team, earning him recognition as one of the premier defenders in the NBA.

Looking ahead, the future appears bright for Wembanyama. With his exceptional talent and work ethic, he has the potential to become one of the greatest players of his generation. However, his journey is just beginning, and there is still much more to accomplish. As he continues to hone his skills and elevate his game, the sky is the limit for this young phenom.

This article first appeared on Fadeaway World and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

+

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.