The San Antonio Spurs were the biggest winners in the NBA this offseason because they won the NBA Draft Lottery, landing the No. 1 pick. That allowed them to select phenom Victor Wembanyama out of France first overall.
Wembanyama is considered a once-in-a-lifetime prospect by many people for his unique combination of size, skill and athleticism. Standing 7’5”, he can handle and shoot the ball like a guard while providing intimidation defensively with his length as a shot blocker.
While the learning curve in the NBA can be steep for some players, Wembanyama has had an immediate impact for the Spurs. On Thursday night against the Phoenix Suns, he had his first breakout performance.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Victor Wembanyama, Shaquille O’Neal, San Antonio Spurs Updates
In a blowout victory, Wembanyama scored 38 points with numerous dazzling highlights. He shot 15-of-26 from the field, including 3-of-6 from 3-point range and 5-of-6 from the foul line. Wembanyama added 10 rebounds, two assists, one steal and two blocks to round out his incredible stat line.
According to ESPN Stats & Info, Wembanyama’s scoring performance is tied for the third most by a rookie in Spurs franchise history. Only the great David Robinson scored more in a rookie season.
That isn’t the only history that Wembanyama made with that performance. ESPN Stats & Info added that he is the first player to score at least 100 points with 10 blocks in their first five career games since Shaquille O’Neal with the Orlando Magic in 1992.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Victor Wembanyama, Shaquille O’Neal, San Antonio Spurs Updates
In his first five games in the NBA, Wembanyama has scored 103 points with 11 blocks, putting him in rare air alongside O’Neal. It is scary to think about the heights he is going to be able to reach as he is already accomplishing incredible things at 19 years old, barely scratching the surface of his potential.
His impact is being felt greatly. The Spurs are now 3-2 on the season after their victory over the Suns, as Wembanyama’s presence has seemingly put their rebuild into warp speed, as they could be challenging for a spot in the NBA Play-In Tournament this season at the very least.
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