Victor Wembanyama, the ‘extraterrestrial’ and ‘generational talent’ since LeBron James ties a record with none other than Spurs legend, Tim Duncan. The San Antonio Spurs are facing off against reigning champions, Denver Nuggets tonight. In the matchup, Wemby becomes the first rookie since Duncan to hit 200 blocks.
NBA’s official X handle of ESPN tweeted the good news. “Wemby is the first rookie with 200 blocks in a season since Tim Duncan in 1997-98.”
Wemby is the first rookie with 200 blocks in a season since Tim Duncan in 1997-98 👏 pic.twitter.com/xbEhpRmmR7
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) March 16, 2024
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He also joined Raef LaFrentz as the only player with 100 3-pointers and 200 blocks in a season in NBA history. Despite the historical moment, the Spurs had to concede a defeat to the Nuggets, 106-117. Wembanyama finished the night with 17 points, nine rebounds, two assists, and three blocks.
With tonight’s loss, the ‘Lone Star State’ has dropped to 14-53, placing them at the bottom of the Western Conference. As for the Nuggets, they are back as No. 1, with their record now at 47-20 and a five-game winning streak. But none of this takes away from the fact that the French rookie is having an exceptional season. And Draymond Green credits Pop and the training staff for it.
“Absolute top of the line”: Green gives props to Spurs staff for the blossoming of Victor Wembanyama
In the latest episode of The Draymond Green Show, the veteran forward was all praise for Victor Wembanyama and more importantly, the Spurs training staff for their excellent job on him. “Their [Spurs’] development staff is absolute top of the line,” Green said. “If you get to the NBA and you don’t have a good development staff you’re going to continue to be just a good prospect.”
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Green also provides examples of, you guessed it, Duncan (obviously), Kawhi Leonard, and Tony Parker. They didn’t leave the league the same player as they came in. In fact, Green’s already got Wemby in the Top-20 player list. It’s not that surprising either.
The French phenom has averaged 18.8 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in the first 15 games of the season. Now let’s take a look at his averages in the last 15 – 21.2 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 4.3 assists. The increase in his performance is on full display here. The fact that he is leading the league in blocks (3.4) is simply another testament to his elite skills.
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Read More: Shaquille O’Neal Takes Subtle Dig at Victor Wembanyama as Bol Bol Keeps Proving Him Right
So, what do you think of Wembanyama’s rapid incline in the graph? Is he still on for the ROTY award ahead of Chet Holmgren? Let us know your thoughts below!