Wembanyama’s GOAT case has started early—and even the players are taking notice

The Spurs hit the draft lottery jackpot (again) two seasons ago, winning the first overall pick. With that pick, as everyone knows, the team drafted French phenom Victor Wembanyama to be the cornerstone of the organization for years to come.

The early returns have been nothing short of expectations exceeded and his peers have noticed.  Wemby has taken over the NBA in all facets of his game. He’s a 7’5” Center who plays like a player a foot shorter on offense, and he changes the game defensively around the basket like no one we’ve seen for twenty years.

Across 71 games of his freshman NBA season, Wembanyama averaged more than a double-double and blocked nearly four shots per game on his way to winning the Rookie of the Year award and being robbed of the Defensive Player of the Year.

As a cameo, this season, Wembanyama has improved in nearly every category. His points per game, rebounds per game, and blocks per game are all up. All of his shooting percentages have improved as well—this with him attempting nearly double the threes per game as compared to last season (9.2 to 5.5). Wembanyama is not playing significantly more minutes per game either—approximately three and a half more (33.3 to 29.7).

Wembanyama's teammates notice how good he’s been

At the start of January, Wemby went toe-to-toe with Nikola Jokic, and the Spurs notched one of their best wins of the season. Afterward, Keldon Johnson coined him as the best player in the NBA right now, and it’s hard to argue.

It’s high praise for such a young player, but Wemby has exceeded expectations since he stepped foot in the summer league last season. His defensive play will change the NBA moving forward. Wemby’s averaging four blocks per game this season, which hasn’t been done since 1995-96.

Blocks are a measurable stat, but Wembanyama’s presence alone influences the game in so many ways. When he’s on the court the Spurs grab 0.5% more rebounds than their opponents, block 5.9% more shots than their opponents, and have a +7.4 offensive rating.

DeMarcus Cousins, former NBA great and thorn in the Spurs’ side during his playing days, predicted that Wembanyama would end up as the greatest defensive player of all time.

That’s major praise from an excellent former NBA player and all-star. It’s clear the effect Wembanyama has had on the NBA in his first 100+ games, and he’s only scratching the surface of his full potential. The Spurs were once again in the perfect position to secure a transcendent talent, and it's already paying off.