Victor Wembanyama dishes surprise pick for NBA star giving him a run for his money on both ends of floor
Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs finished their regular season as the second-worst team in the Western Conference. However, despite the team’s poor performance, there is a lot of hope for the Spurs going into the future. The Spurs rookie was unstoppable but there was one player who bothered him the most.
The 2023 No. 1 Draft pick sat down with The Ringer’s Kevin O'Connor’s podcast. While discussing his historic rookie season, O'Connor was curious about a player who troubled Wembanyama on the court. The Spurs rookie star said Jaden Ivey was one player who made him run for his money.
“Jaden Ivey, super quick you know and so much that even though you want to back up, you know you can get surprised,” Wembanyama said.
Victor Wembanaya operates in another stratosphere with a 7-foot-4-inch height, especially with the skill set that he possesses. However, a player like Jaden Ivey with quick feet and hands troubling the “Alien” makes perfect sense.
Jaden Ivey used his speed and athleticism on both ends of the floor for fast break points and making defensive stops. His athleticism has worked perfectly for him in chasing the best guards on the court, avoiding screens and doing everything without getting in foul trouble.
Ivey was selected by the Detroit Pistons at No. 5 in the first round of the 2022 NBA Draft. The Purdue star has been nothing short of stellar in both seasons that he has played for the Pistons.
Victor Wembanyama not surprised by his rookie numbers
Victor Wembanyama had one of the greatest rookie seasons in NBA history. With the hype that the French national brought into the league, he has perhaps surpassed that. Wembanyama put some unbelievable stats on the sheet in his rookie season, far better than great veteran players.
A lot was already expected from Wembanyama even before he entered the draft. However, his numbers still look surprising and unsettling for the most part. Kevin O'Connor from “The Athletic” asked Victor Wembanyama if he was himself surprised by his own number in the rookie season.
"I wouldn't say surprised because to me it's impossible to be surprised by you know, your own performance, good or bad 'cause it's you know, ultimately, everything is a result of your own work and your own you know mentality so I always want more so I'm not surprised," Wembanyama said.
The “Alien” played 71 games and averaged 21.4 points, with 46.5% shooting from the floor, including 32.5% from beyond the arc. He also recorded 10.6 rebounds and 3.9 assists.
Victor Wembanyama also averaged a league-high 3.6 blocks per game and a total of 254 blocks in the 71 games that he played.
He has a good chance to be crowned Rookie of the Year and will also be on the ballot for Defensive Player of the Year.