The year is off to a perfect start for Victor Wembanyama! Before celebrating his selection among the stars of the NBA All Star Game on February 15, the Frenchie of the San Antonio Spurs was elected, on Tuesday, best defender in the Western Conference of the North American basketball championship for the month of January.
This is the second time Wemby has received this award since its inception during the 2024-2025 season. He was distinguished in November 2024 before ending his season prematurely due to venous thrombosis in his right shoulder.
A logical reward for the one who reached 132 rebounds, 29 blocks and 12 interceptions in 13 games in January. According to the Spurs press release, the number 1 in the 2023 draft is “the only player in the Western Conference to have accumulated more than 100 rebounds, more than 25 blocks and more than 10 interceptions” over this period.
“His 2.23 blocks per game (in January) rank him third in the NBA even though he plays on average only 27.7 minutes per game, the press release continued. With Wembanyama on the court, Spurs opponents shot just 42.4 percent compared to 48.0 percent when he was on the bench. »
Best blocker and fourth in rebounding rankings
Since the start of the season, the native of Chesnay (Yvelines), who celebrated his 22nd birthday on January 4, has averaged 24.1 points, 11 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 2.71 blocks in less than 29 minutes. He dominates the ranking of the best blockers in the championship (he was voted best blocker in the NBA in 2024 and 2025) and is in fourth position for the best rebounders.
Carried by their number 1, the Spurs occupy 2nd place in the Western Conference, behind the reigning champion Thunder, with a record of 33 victories for 16 defeats and are well on their way to qualifying directly for the playoffs after a long journey through the desert.
