Victor Wembanyama's crowning moment comes with a whole bunch of historic firsts

Victor Wembanyama is the first-ever unanimous winner of the Defensive Player of the Year award, but that's not all. He's also the first 22-year-old (youngest) to win it and the first player to win it in his first three seasons since San Antonio Spurs legend The Admiral, David Robinson. To pile on the bevy of inaugurals, the Alien is the first player to do it while averaging 25 points and shooting 35% from deep.

Wembanyama put up 25 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 blocks, and 1 steal this season. It was one of the most enjoyable seasons to watch, and as fun as it is to watch him thrive on offense, the things he does defensively are inconceivable. Winning this award was inevitable from the moment he was drafted, and he was gracious after accepting the honor.

Wembanyama is just getting started

If you've been paying attention to Vic, you already know that he's ecstatic to win Defensive Player of the Year. He's even likely thrilled to be the youngest player ever to do it. But he's not satisfied. The French Mind Flayer will be coming for the rest of the country now that he's finally conquered Hawkins, Illinois.

It wasn't very long ago that Wembanyama told the media that he'd be surprised if he didn't win this DPOY unanimously. That's a bold statement to make, knowing nobody has ever accomplished the feat. There are some defensive juggernauts in the NBA's history, so for nobody to pull it off prior to Wemby is mind-blowing, only raising the level of an already impressive achievement.

A man who makes such claims doesn't lack in confidence. We see that in his willingness to unabashedly be himself and his fortitude in his first-ever playoff game. Wembayama was unshakable.

Every time we watch him play, try to remember that he's still only 22 years old. He's going to be even better next season and the season after that. We don't actually know what the walking 7'4" rim deterrent's peak looks like. Until he reaches it, we'll only be guessing, and after everything we've already seen, there's still a shot we underrate how destructive a force he'll be.

The scouts sounded the alarms when he was coming. They proclaimed a beast was on the horizon. They were so right. Nobody could have known exactly how quickly it would manifest, but in his third season, Victor Wembanyama is staking his claim as the league's best player. If he finishes his campaign with a championship, nobody would deny it.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow