Just how good is Victor Wembanyama? Well, consider this: The 7’3″ French phenom is set to rewrite the record books for the Spurs despite missing a huge chunk of the season!
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Touted as one of the best draft prospects since LeBron James, there has been huge pressure on Wemby from Day 1 to deliver for the Spurs. And boy, has he delivered! In his rookie 2023-24 season, Wemby bagged the ROTY honors and narrowly fell short of getting the DPOY award. And he has gone on to stitch together an even more impressive second year.
Pushing the Spurs into contention for a play-in spot this season, Wemby has averaged 24.3 points, 11 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 3.8 blocks a game, earning him his first All-Star selection. The 21-year-old also put on a show at the All-Star festivities in San Francisco, giving fans hope for a strong post-break performance. But alas, that was not to be.
Wembanyama was diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in his right shoulder. The blood clot has ruled him out for the remainder of the season. It will prevent Wemby from winning his first DPOY honors, an All-Defensive selection, and possibly an All-NBA team selection.
The 21-year-old French star played just 46 games, missing out on 44% of the season. Despite that, he has racked up such impressive numbers that he might make NBA history again.
A Reddit user highlighted how Wemby, despite being out of action since the All-Star Break, leads the Spurs in points, rebounds, and blocks. He currently sits at 1,116 points, 506 rebounds, and 176 blocks for the season.
Jeremy Sochan is second on the rebounding list, trailing Wembanyama by 178. When it comes to blocks, Devin Vassell occupies the second spot, 144 behind.
While it’s unlikely that these two records can be topped in the remaining 13 games, the points total might not be a sure thing just yet. Stephon Castle trails Wemby by 164 points. Considering he’s averaging 14 points per game, there is a chance he may take the team’s scoring title from the French star. If that doesn’t happen, Wemby will make history again.
No player in the entire history of the NBA has ever led their team in three major statistical categories while missing over 40% of the season. While past players have led their teams in three or more of the main statistical categories, none of them have done so while missing a major chunk of the season.
Players who have led their teams in major statistical categories this century
For a player to lead their team in all major statistical categories is nothing short of phenomenal. Sure. it’s happened a few times — but just how rare it is can be judged from the shortness of the list of those who have done it in the last quarter of a century from the year 2000 onward:
- Kevin Garnett (2003-04): KG had a stellar year for the Timberwolves in 2003-04. He led the team with 1,987 points, 1,139 rebounds, 409 assists, 120 steals and 178 blocks.
- LeBron James (2008-09): LBJ has been a beast for more than two decades, but his first MVP season with the Cleveland Cavaliers was something else altogether. He led the Cavs with 2,304 points, 613 rebounds, 587 assists, 137 steals and 93 blocks.
- Giannis Antetokounmpo (2016-17): Giannis made his mark on the Bucks right from the start of his career. In 2016-17, he led them with 1,832 points, 700 rebounds, 434 assists, 131 steals and 151 blocks.
- Nikola Jokic (2021-22): Nikola Jokic has been having a magical run over the last five or so seasons. In 2021-22, he led the Denver Nuggets with 2,004 points, 1,019 rebounds, 584 assists, 109 steals and 63 blocks.
