2024-05-07 05:00:07
He is indeed the new ROY of the NBA. This night, without any real surprise, Victor Wembanyama was elected Rookie Of the Year (ROY) – the beginner of the year in French version – by a jury of experts and journalists. A logical vote as the number 1 of the San Antonio Spurs dominated the debates, hovered over the floors of the United States and conquered the hearts of the American public. This distinction rewards an almost perfect opening season where the only false note is the poor results of his franchise, penultimate in the Western Conference with 22 successes for 60 losses.
What is more surprising, and truly impressive, is to have been chosen… unanimously by the votes of journalists (99 out of 99). Only five basketball players in the past have achieved this feat (Ralph Sampson, David Robinson, Blake Griffin, Damian Lillard, and Karl-Anthony Towns). Victor Wembanyama is the 6th in history. Chet Holmgren (Oklahoma City Thunder) and Brandon Miller (Charlotte Hornets) complete the 2024 podium.
“I’m happy that it’s finally official,” he reacted soberly from the Spurs training room, on the American TV channel TNT. My goal is to help my team win and for that I have to be good and dominate on the floor. As an athlete, the United States is the best country in the world, everything is done here to succeed. I’m in a bubble, I live a privileged life. This trophy is also for everyone who helps me on a daily basis. » At the same time, his sponsor Fanatics reveals on social networks a video shot a little earlier, in which a clearly moved Victor Wembanyama receives praise from other famous rookies of the year, including the player he more inspired, Kevin Durant, but also LeBron James, David Robinson and Shaquille O’Neal.
The first Frenchy to be selected in first position in the NBA draft – last June – he also became the first Frenchman to win this honorary title. Being the first wherever he goes seems to be second nature for the native of Chesnay. His overwhelming dominance is visible in his statistics, his influence on his team’s play, his impact on opponents and his magnetic attraction in the rooms and on NBA social networks. Videos of his arabesques have been viewed more than a billion times. He ranks just behind NBA superstars LeBron James and Stephen Curry.
Long in the fight for the title with Oklahoma Thunder pivot Chet Holmgren (drafted in 2022 but author of a blank season last season due to an injury), Wembanyama closed the debates with a second half of the season breathtaking. He was also named rookie of the month in the Western Conference – his own and that of Holmgren – for the last three trophies of the season (January, February, March), after the first two collected by his rival OKC ( November and December).
And now, let’s head to the Games!
The numbers don’t lie. With an average of 21.4 points in 71 games (but less than 30 minutes of play on average), 10.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 3.6 blocks (No. 1 of the NBA season), 1.2 interceptions , the “alien” that LeBron James spoke of in the fall of 2022 had a unique season for a rookie.
Top-flight performances which allow the French basketball giant to seek another title. The 20-year-old is in fact among the three finalists for the trophy for best defender of the year alongside, in particular, his compatriot Rudy Gobert. The result of the vote will be revealed during the night from Tuesday to Wednesday.
After a few days in France with his family, Victor Wembanyama returned to San Antonio to begin his preparation work for the Paris Games this summer. “I’m going to spend my summer improving, becoming a better basketball player, Pop (editor’s note: Gregg Popovich, Spurs coach) also wants me to work on certain things and I will also work on my strength, my body,” said explained Wemby, his eyes on the Olympics. A competition where he will be one of the most anticipated players.
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