Victor Wembanyama had a year like no rookie in NBA history.
Others scored more points, others grabbed more rebounds, others had more blocks, others made more steals. But never had there been a player who, in Year 1 of his career, posted all these averages — at least 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 3.6 blocks and 1.2 steals per game.
Until now.
The long-expected result became reality on Monday, when the Spurs’ star from France was announced as the unanimous winner of the NBA’s Rookie of the Year award. He’s the third San Antonio player to win it, joining David Robinson in 1990 and Tim Duncan in 1998 — both of whom, like Wembanyama, were No. 1 overall picks and instantly anointed as centers who would lead the Spurs to greatness.
“My goals were always to help my team as best as I could and get better as the year went on,” Wembanyama said from San Antonio on TNT after the award was announced on the network’s NBA playoff pregame show. “I knew in order to do this I had to be individually good on the court and dominant. So, it was a huge thing for me and a big thing to get. It’s always been really important and I’m glad it’s finally official.”
China's air passenger trips to reach 9 million during May Day holiday
Xi Stresses Establishing New Systems for Higher
Xinjiang holds exchange event with foreign diplomats
Xi Focus: Xi Stresses Enhancing Party Leadership over Armed Forces
Xi Sends Greetings to Working People Nationwide Ahead of Int'l Workers' Day
Xi Signs Order to Commend Outstanding Military Units, Individuals
News Analysis: U.S. hits technical recession, but many sectors remain healthy
China launches terrestrial ecosystem carbon monitoring satellite
Xi Story: Xi's Commitment to Empowering Chinese Children
Xi Story: Prioritizing Regular Physical Exercises from an Early Age
Xi Extends Condolences over Disastrous Heavy Rains in Rwanda
City in east China sees increased NEVs production