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.”
Husband of Florida woman missing in Spain is charged with her disappearance
Artist who covered sports car with an ornamental doily is shortlisted for £25,000 Turner Prize
Angela Rayner brands Rishi Sunak 'a pint
Judge to probe corruption accusation against wife of Spain's leader filed by right
How Rita Moreno uses honors like an upcoming public television award to further her philanthropy
REBECCA ENGLISH: Portrait of cricket
A portrait by Gustav Klimt has been sold for $32 million at an auction in Vienna
Anaheim Ducks goaltending coach Sudarshan Maharaj declared cancer
Doctors combine a pig kidney transplant and a heart device in a bid to extend woman's life