As the 2023-24 NBA season drew to a close, it was clear that Victor Wembanyama had not only lived up to the immense expectations placed on him, but exceeded them.
THE The San Antonio Spurs The young phenom dominated on both ends of the floor, winning rookie of the year honors in a unanimous vote, a feat last seen with Karl-Anthony Towns in 2016. Among those who took notice was former Spur DeMar DeRozan, who heaped praise on Wembanyama, speaking candidly about the young star’s potential.
“He [is] “I’m definitely going to learn,” DeRozan said Tuesday when discussing Wembanyama’s development on the Club 520 podcast. “Even the way he played in the Olympics. The way he played in the Olympics. [gold medal] game, you know what I mean? He’s still a kid, man. […] Look how he [plays next season].”
DeRozan’s remarks reflect an acknowledgement of Wembanyama’s already significant impact on the court. Standing 7’4” with a 8’1” wingspan, the Frenchman has been a force to be reckoned with, especially on defense. Leading all rookies in points (21.4), rebounds (10.6) and blocks (3.6) per game, Wembanyama’s selection as Rookie of the Year was a no-brainer. His 254 total blocks were not only the most among rookies, but also the best total in the NBA, putting him among the likes of Manute Bol, who also led the league in blocks as a rookie.
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DeRozan, who spent three seasons with the Spurs, recalled a specific moment in a game last season that highlighted Wembanyama’s defensive solidity.
“I had to drive to the lane,” DeRozan said. “I’m on one side of the key, he [Wembanyama] [was] on the other side. I stopped for the layup and pulled it out. […] But I just knew he had the recovery [and] length to block anything [shot] I vomit.
Such stories became commonplace among NBA players who faced Wembanyama last season. His combination of size, agility and timing made him a nightmare for opposing offenses, and his defensive numbers speak for themselves. Wembanyama’s 3.6 blocks per game were not only the best in the league, but also tied him with Manute Bol for the most blocks by a rookie in Defensive Player of the Year voting. He came in second, just behind fellow Frenchman Rudy Gobert.
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Beyond the numbers, Wembanyama’s presence on the court has already begun to change the dynamics of the Spurs franchise. Long known for their disciplined, team-oriented play, the Spurs now have a potential stalwart who can redefine what it means to dominate in the modern NBA. His skill set, combined with his physical attributes, offers a tantalizing glimpse into what could be a Hall of Fame career in the making.
DeRozan summed up his thoughts on Wembanyama’s future with a simple but powerful statement.
“Look him in the eye, brother, you’ll know,” DeRozan said. “He’ll be one of them, for sure.”
As Wembanyama prepares for his second season, the NBA community will be watching closely. If his rookie campaign is any indication, the Spurs — and the league — have found their next-gen talent.
