Victor Wembanyama was elected NBA “rookie” of the year during the night of Monday May 6. He becomes the first French basketball player to receive this distinction.
He crushed the competition. At 20 years old and 2.24 m tall, Victor Wembanyama received the NBA “rookie” of the year award this Monday, May 6, a more than deserved award. The number 1 in the NBA Draft succeeds Paolo Banchero (Orlando Magic) and collects his first American trophy, which appeals to others.
If the results of his team, the Spurs, were not there – they only finished 14th in the Western Conference – the French giant has little to reproach itself for. He adapted and evolved constantly during the season. Wembanyama finished his first season averaging 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 3.6 blocks, impressive results.
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It arouses unanimity
It could only be him. The 99 American and Canadian journalists who voted placed him in first place. Each vote earns 5 points. Victor Wembanyama accumulated 495 units, 200 more than his opponents, Chet Homlgren (Oklahoma City), and Brandon Miller (Charlotte Hornets).
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Since September 2023, Wembanyama has lit up American courts with his talent and has quickly become one of the favorites of basketball fans. He is the third player to generate the most views on networks (1.3 billion) according to the NBA. Only LeBron James (1.9) and Stephen Curry (1.7) surpass him.
A new trophy on Tuesday?
With an average of 3.6 blocks over the season, the best in this exercise, Wembanyama could receive a new “defender of the year” trophy. He is one of three finalists including Frenchman Rudy Gobert (Minnesota) and Miami pivot Bam Adebayo.
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He will face experienced basketball players. His compatriot Rudy, an essential part of his team’s game, has already won this award three times (2018, 2019 and 2021). The American Adebayo, 26, he and his team did not make it through the first round of the Play-offs, eliminated by Boston. But he was selected by the United States in the “Dream Team” for the Olympic Games.
Currently resting, while the strongest teams battle in the Play-off, Victor Wembanyama will also be back on the field for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Unless there is a big surprise, Vincent Colet, team coach of France and former coach of Métropolitains 92 (Wembanyama’s original team), should select his former player.
