On June 22, 2023, one of the most highly anticipated prospects in the history of the sport officially entered the NBA and joined the San Antonio Spurs. Fast forward to today, and Victor Wembanyama has somehow raised the bar of what is expected of him in this league.
With a tremendous, award-winning rookie campaign in the books, and a pivotal offseason underway, the basketball prodigy is reflecting on that historic night in the Barclays Center.
“Happy 1 year anniversary Spurs,” Wembanyama posted on X. He then typed another message in his native French, which translates to, “Between them, they only alternate. I remain in my place in the top 5. I'm moving away from the last four.”
The 20-year-old has regaled and moved fans with his introspective approach to his career and life a number of times already. He appears to be fully committed to climbing to the top of the NBA superstar totem pole, a mission that will be made easier if Wembanyama can lead San Antonio back to its winning ways.
The team's 22-60 record last season, which was disappointingly identical to its 2022-23 showing, does not quite tell the whole story. There are plenty of roster upgrades and adjustments that the organization must initiate this summer, but Spurs fans are bristling with excitement all the same, for they get to witness one of the most unique talents to ever step onto the hardwood.
While no one knows what is in store for the next year or decade, there is an aura surrounding the Frost Bank Center that few other teams can boast. And after five consecutive losing seasons, that is something to truly marvel at and cherish.
Spurs struck gold with Victor Wembanyama
Everything changed when the ping pong balls bounced the Spurs' way at the draft lottery 14 months ago and fate decided to shine favorably upon the San Antonio River Walk. The vision became fully formed when Victor Wembanyama held up the silver, black and white jersey for the first time at the 2023 NBA Draft. He proceeded to say all the right things and put in the work, and it showed on the court.
Wembanyama earned unanimous Rookie of the Year honors after posting 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, an NBA-best 3.6 blocks and 1.2 steals in 71 games. He developed exceptionally well as the year wore on and often shined in clutch situations when the Spurs were fortunate enough to be within striking distance late in contests. The 3.7 turnovers obviously need to come down, but the young big man quickly became an anchor on both ends of the floor.
His second NBA season should feature additional growth and accolades, as Wembanyama could be primed to claim the Defensive Player of the Year award (runner-up in 2024). With a tantalizing combination of skill, leadership and mental fortitude at his disposal, the man LeBron James calls “The Alien” could transcend the game.
Victor Wembanyama has come an impressively long way in just a year. He is far from satisfied, though. Helping the Spurs return to the playoffs is likely his next big-picture goal. Those odds are currently slim but can be improved if San Antonio fares well again at the NBA Draft.
The building block is in place. It is now on ownership to finish the remodeling project and remind the basketball-watching world why this was a first-class organization for two decades.
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