Victor Wembanyama is the most interesting player in the NBA. He combines a versatile offensive game with the most dominant defensive presence in league history. On top of that, he is one of the most marketable superstars in NBA history.
Heading into his third season, he is generally seen as a top-seven player in the world, with potential to fight for the top spot by the end of the season. Assuming he remains healthy, he is a lock for the All-NBA teams and Defensive Player of the Year.
Wembanyama played in only 46 games last season after blood clots cut his season short. However, he seems perfectly healthy and ready to pick up where he left off, if not improved.
GettyATLANTA, GEORGIA – JANUARY 15: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs celebrates with Keldon Johnson #3 during the second half against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on January 15, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
Predicting Victor Wembanyama’s Statline
In his rookie season, Wembanyama averaged an eye-popping 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.2 steals, and led the league with 3.6 blocks. He won Rookie of the Year.
The following season, he improved to 24.3 points, 11 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.1 steals, and 3.8 blocks.
From there, those numbers are only expected to go up.
“Wemby could average 25, 15, he could average five blocks, he could average 12 assists, he could average six steals,” said Carmelo Anthony on his 7PM in Brooklyn podcast. “He can do all of this. These are video game numbers.”
Anthony added that Wembanyama could lead the league in whichever stat he so chooses. Assists, rebounds, points, steals, it doesn’t really matter to him.
While that seems like a bit of a stretch, Anthony’s main point is clear: Victor Wembanyama is ready to dominate the NBA, and the rest of the league is simply not ready.
Victor Wembanyama to Headline MVP Race
With +1200 odds, Victor Wembanyama is FanDuel’s fifth pick to win MVP, behind Nikola Jokic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luka Doncic, and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
After the NBA instituted a 65-game minimum to be considered for awards, health has become the most signifcant factor. Will all four players ahead of him hit the mark? Maybe not. Will the San Antonio Spurs outplay expectations and go on a deep playoff run? Perhaps. If they do, Wemby is in the running, as he’s a once-in-a-generation player just now hitting his stride.
“They never see anything like Will until Kareem,” Anthony added. “You get what I’m saying? You’ve never seen anything like Kareem until Shaq…We’ve never seen Wemby. We’ve never seen no s— like Wemby. Wemby could lead every category there is, and statistically, that’s MVP.”
Will that happen this season? Anthony seems to think so.
“I predict he’s MVP this year,” he declared.
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