Spurs rookie phenom Victor Wembanyama has been named one of the top three finalists for two NBA awards for the 2023-24 season: Rookie of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year. His competition for the former is Chet Holmgren and Brandon Miller, and the latter is Rudy Gobert and Bam Adebayo.

While Wemby should be heavily favored for Rookie of the Year, Gobert appears to be the favorite for Defensive Player of the Year, which wouldn’t be surprising based on voters who have released their ballots and the fact that some probably couldn’t get themselves to vote for a rookie on a bottom 10 defense. That being said, he still has a chance to make some history. Should he be voted to the 1st Team All-Defense, which is positionless beginning this year, he would be the first rookie to ever the first team. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Hakeem Olajuwon, Manute Bol, David Robinson and Tim Duncan all made the second team their rookie seasons.

At just 18 years old, Wembanyama has already made a significant impact in professional basketball. His towering height, incredible wingspan, and versatility have allowed him to dominate both ends of the court. As a rookie, he has showcased remarkable poise and maturity beyond his years, earning the respect of coaches, teammates, and opponents alike.

On the offensive end, Wembanyama’s agility, shooting touch, and ability to finish at the rim have made him a formidable scoring threat. He has displayed a diverse skill set, including a smooth jump shot, post moves, and the ability to put the ball on the floor and attack the basket. His presence on the offensive end has provided a significant boost to his team’s scoring output.

However, it is on the defensive end where Wembanyama truly shines. His extraordinary length and timing enable him to disrupt opponents’ shots, alter driving lanes, and protect the rim with ease. His shot-blocking ability has become a signature aspect of his game, intimidating opponents and altering their offensive strategies. Wembanyama’s defensive impact has been instrumental in his team’s success, earning him the distinction of being a Defensive Player of the Year finalist.

Being named a finalist for both Rookie of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year is a testament to Victor Wembanyama’s exceptional skills and impact on the game. It is a rare achievement for a rookie to receive recognition in multiple categories, highlighting his unique talent and potential. His contributions have undoubtedly elevated his team’s performance and garnered attention from basketball enthusiasts worldwide.