Without much surprise, Victor Wembanyama was voted rookie of the year in the NBA. A very first trophy for the Frenchman, thus validating a very convincing first season on American courts. A look back at the season of the French player, who could well win a second trophy in a few hours…
There was very little suspense surrounding the future rookie of the year. On the night of Monday to Tuesday, the NBA announced that Frenchman Victor Wembanyama was inheriting the title for this 2023/2024 season. Drafted in first place by the San Antonio Spurs last summer, Wemby won his very first trophy across the Atlantic.
A successful season despite poor results with Spurs
However, the season was complicated for the Frenchman and his teammates. Collectively, it cannot be considered a real success. While the 2024 Playoffs began a few days ago, the Spurs finished the 2023/24 financial year penultimate (14th) in the Western Conference. Even if the San Antonio franchise clearly missed out on its season, the Frenchman dazzled the courts with his talent, playing 71 of 82 games and averaging 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists. and 3.6 blocks.
Even if collective success was not there – the Spurs have 22 victories and 60 defeats – Victor Wembanyama’s season is a real success on an individual level. In addition to being the very first Frenchman to win the title of rookie of the year, the former Nanterre pivot is only the 6th player in history to be unanimously elected. Before him, only 5 players had been unanimously voted rookie of the season: Ralph Sampson (1983-84), David Robinson (1989-90), Blake Griffin (2010-11), Damian Lillard (2012-13) and Karl-Anthony Towns (2015-16). Questioned by the TNT channel, the Frenchman expressed his feelings:
”I knew that to get there, I had to be good individually and dominant on the pitch. The rookie of the year title has always been very important and I’m happy that it’s finally official […] I’ve never improved so much in so few months, so I’m very happy.”
A second trophy in perspective?
Even if we already know that he will go a season without winning collective trophies with Spurs, the Frenchman could well inherit a second individual trophy. The 20-year-old prodigy is currently in the running to win the Defender of the Year award. Among the three finalists, we find, in addition to Wembanyama, his compatriot Rudy Gobert as well as the American Bam Adebayo. The two players both had a very good season, both collectively and individually.
Note that if he (also) wins the trophy for best defender of the year, Victor Wembanyama will be the very first rookie of the year to win this title in the same season. A new record in sight for the French prodigy? To be continued…
Subscribe to beIN SPORTS
Follow the 2024 NBA Playoffs on beIN SPORTS.
Sources : Eurosport, Franceinfo
2024-05-07 20:06:24
#NBA #Victor #Wembanyama #crowned #rookie #year
