The
San Antonio Spurs announced that
Victor Wembanyama's inaugural season with the team has come to an end, with the towering 7-foot-4 French prodigy sidelined for the season finale against the
Detroit Pistons due to right ankle injury management. Despite missing the final game, Wembanyama's exceptional performance throughout the season positions him as a frontrunner for the coveted Rookie of the Year award.
Another reason why Wemby will surely not play is the draft lottery, as the Spurs "fight" with
Portland Trail Blazers to be the fourth worst team of the year and have a better chance to pick No. 1.
Wembanyama's statistics for the season are nothing short of remarkable, averaging 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and leading the NBA with an impressive 3.6 blocked shots per game. Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich hinted at the possibility of Wembanyama's absence in the season finale following the team's victory over the Denver Nuggets, a decision that was confirmed by the team the following day.
Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone commended Wembanyama's growth throughout the season, noting the significant improvement in his game under Popovich's guidance.
Selected as the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NBA draft, Wembanyama showcased his talent in 71 games for the Spurs. Despite the team's challenging season, marked by a 21-60 record, Wembanyama's impact on the court was undeniable.
In his final game as a rookie, Wembanyama delivered a stellar performance against the defending NBA champions, the Denver Nuggets, scoring 34 points, grabbing 12 rebounds, dishing out five assists, and contributing two blocks and five 3-pointers. The Spurs staged an impressive comeback, overcoming a 23-point deficit to secure a thrilling 121-120 victory, with Wembanyama sealing the win with a celebratory spike of the ball as time expired.
Wembanyama's exceptional rookie season places him in elite company, as he becomes just the fourth player, and the first rookie, to achieve a season with at least 1,500 points, 250 assists, and 250 blocked shots. Joining the ranks of basketball legends such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Hakeem Olajuwon, and former Spurs great David Robinson, Wembanyama's feat marks a historic milestone in NBA history.
While his journey with the Spurs may be temporarily on hold until the next season, Wembanyama's impact extends beyond the NBA court. Anticipated to represent France in the Paris Olympics this summer, Wembanyama remains optimistic about the Spurs' future, expressing confidence in the team's potential to contend once again.
Reflecting on the season and the support of the fans, Wembanyama emphasized the team's collective ambition to achieve greatness, fueling anticipation for the promising future that lies ahead for the San Antonio Spurs.
