Victor Wembanyama

2023 Rookie Ultimates

ULTIMATESeries 2023-24LEMint 1San Antonio Spurs

On May 16, 2023, five long months before Victor Wembanyama’s now well-known name would become a commonality over the San Antonio Spurs’ loudspeakers, there remained a sense that the 2023 NBA Draft Lottery would hold a special significance with the “most hyped prospect in two decades” being up for grabs. With little doubt over who would be selected No. 1, the 7-foot-4, do-it-all marvel has fittingly rewarded the Alamo City’s faith by giving them little to doubt about his potential over the coming months. Putting his Defensive Player of the Year-caliber traits and All-Star potential on display from Day One, Wembanyama introduced himself to both the Dallas Mavericks and the NBA’s history books with face-up jumpers, 3-point shooting of every variation, polite pleasantries around the rim, and defensive statements, commanding both the attention and awe of his new fanbase. Matching the lofty expectations with a Texas-sized impact, the rookie star recorded 15 points, five rebounds, two assists, two steals, and one block in just 23 minutes of action in his debut on October 25, 2023.