Since mid-December, “Wemby” has multiplied the big performances, scoring 42 points against Atlanta then against New York, or waging two magnificent battles against triple MVP Nikola Jokic at the beginning of January (one victory, one defeat).
Statistics which translate into a better season for the San Antonio Spurs, currently 12th in the Western Conference with 19 victories and 20 defeats, while they had a total of 22 successes in 82 meetings last season.
“Wemby” is even 4th in the “MVP race”, a subjective ranking updated every week by a seasoned journalist working for the NBA, symbol of his new depth.
His selection for the 74th All-Star Game in San Francisco on February 16 is beyond doubt, he who should become the 4th Frenchman to participate in the All-Star game after Tony Parker (six selections between 2006 and 2014), Joakim Noah (2013 and 2014) and Rudy Gobert (2020, 2021 and 2022).
Supported by Chris Paul
Wembanyama was present last year during a roaring mid-season celebration, but for the best young people’s match and an additional competition only.
“Take him at the All-Star Game, he deserves it, he plays fair, as humbly as possible despite his star status,” praised his teammate Chris Paul. “He’s going to be voted defender of the year, he can be for 20 years, he’s an incredible player. I repeat, I would like everyone to be able to meet him, anyone who knows him becomes a fan of him,” adds the veteran with 12 selections for the All-Star Game.
Above all, Wembanyama is well placed in the provisional fan vote (open until January 20), which counts at 50% for the selection of the starters (25% comes from the players’ vote, 25% from the media), ahead of Anthony Davis and just behind LeBron James.
-After celebrating his 21st birthday on January 4, “Wemby” is in the running to become the first French player during the all-star game, an honorary distinction since the single meeting was replaced by a mini-tournament with three teams of eight players. and a youth team.
” Pleasure “
“I don’t really watch the rankings (of the fan vote) live, but it makes me happy and without even having to watch, I know that all the French NBA accounts support me. I have no doubt about the responsibility of the French public in this vote! “, he smiled Monday in Los Angeles.
The ten starters will be announced next week while Wembanyama will be in France for another great moment of his season.
The San Antonio Spurs will face the Indiana Pacers on January 23 and 25 at Bercy, where the giant will be able to measure its exponential popularity, after winning Olympic silver in the same room with the Blues last summer.
For Spurs interim coach Mitch Johnson, who continues to take care of the Frenchman’s warm-ups himself, his protégé “can be happy with the recognition he gets”. “But he knows that he is still far from the level to which he aspires. On his way, he will have to deal with the compliments and opinions of others, but I don’t think that affects him. »
