Victor Wembanyama: Most Impressive Achievements from His Rookie NBA Season
Victor Wembanyama entered the NBA with immense hype, and he did not disappoint. He led all rookies in points (21.4), rebounds (10.6), and blocks (3.6) per game. His unanimous selection as the 2023-24 NBA Rookie of the Year, the first since Karl-Anthony Towns in 2015-16, highlighted his exceptional season. Wembanyama also became the first French player to win this prestigious award.
Victor Wembanyama’s All-Rookie First Team Selection
Victor Wembanyama’s outstanding performance earned him a spot on the All-Rookie First Team. He not only led in points, rebounds, and blocks among rookies but also ranked fourth in assists (3.9) and second in steals (1.2) per game. His remarkable averages of 20.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 3.0 blocks in less than 30 minutes per game set a new standard. Additionally, he became the first player to achieve at least 1,500 points, 700 rebounds, 250 assists, 250 blocks, and 100 three-pointers in a single season.
Standing at 7-foot-4 with an 8-foot wingspan, Wembanyama dominated defensively, leading the NBA with 3.6 blocks per game. He recorded a total of 254 blocks, significantly outpacing other players, including fellow rookie Chet Holmgren. Wembanyama joined Manute Bol (1985-86) as the only rookie to lead the league in blocks per game.
All-Defensive First Team Honor
Victor Wembanyama’s defensive prowess earned him a place on the 2023-24 All-Defensive First Team, making him the first rookie to achieve this honor and the youngest in NBA history. His top-10 finishes in total deflections (205), defensive rebounds per game (8.4), total defensive rebounds (594), and defensive rebound percentage (27.3%) further demonstrated his defensive impact.
Wembanyama narrowly missed becoming the first rookie to win the Defensive Player of the Year award, finishing as runner-up to Rudy Gobert. Despite this, his peers voted him the best defender in the league in an April survey by The Athletic. His league-leading stats in blocks, stocks (steals + blocks), and block percentage (10%) underscored his defensive dominance.
As Wembanyama prepares for the Olympic Games Paris 2024, his achievements set high expectations for his continued success on both the NBA and international stages.
