Victor Wembanyama’s Rookie Stats 2024, When the San Antonio Spurs drafted Victor Wembanyama with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, expectations were sky-high. But no one predicted he’d rewrite the rookie record books so quickly. By April 2024, Wembanyama wasn’t just in the Rookie of the Year conversation—he was making a case as one of the best defenders in the entire NBA.
In this deep dive, we’ll analyze:
✔ Wembanyama’s jaw-dropping 2023-24 stats (points, rebounds, blocks)
✔ How he compares to past NBA rookies (Tim Duncan, LeBron, Zion)
✔ Is he already a top 10 NBA defender? (Advanced metrics breakdown)
✔ Can he lead the Spurs back to the playoffs in 2025?
By the end, you’ll see why experts are calling him a once-in-a-generation talent.
Victor Wembanyama’s Rookie Stats Breakdown (2023-24 Season)
Basic Stats: A Historic Rookie Campaign
Stat | Average | NBA Rank Among Rookies |
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Points | 21.4 PPG | 1st |
Rebounds | 10.6 RPG | 1st |
Blocks | 3.4 BPG | 1st (1st in entire NBA) |
Steals | 1.2 SPG | 3rd |
Field Goal % | 46.7% | 4th |
Wembanyama led all rookies in scoring, rebounding, and blocks—something no rookie had done since Shaquille O’Neal in 1993.
Advanced Stats: Even More Impressive
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Defensive Rating: 104.3 (Top 5 in NBA)
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Block %: 9.1% (Highest in the league)
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Player Efficiency Rating (PER): 23.1 (2nd among rookies since 2000 behind only Zion in 2020)
Victor Wembanyama’s Rookie Stats 2024, These numbers suggest Wembanyama wasn’t just the best rookie—he was already an All-NBA level defender.
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How Wembanyama Compares to Past NBA Rookie Greats
1. Tim Duncan (1997-98 Spurs)
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Stats: 21.1 PPG, 11.9 RPG, 2.5 BPG
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Comparison: Wemby scores slightly more, Duncan rebounds better. Both were elite defenders from Day 1.
2. LeBron James (2003-04 Cavaliers)
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Stats: 20.9 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 5.9 APG
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Comparison: LeBron was a better playmaker, but Wemby is a far superior rim protector.
3. Zion Williamson (2019-20 Pelicans)
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Stats: 22.5 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 2.1 APG
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Comparison: Zion was more efficient offensively, but Wemby’s two-way impact is unmatched.
Verdict: Wembanyama had the best all-around rookie season since Duncan—and the best defensive rookie season ever.
Is Wembanyama Already a Top 10 NBA Defender?
The Case For YES
✅ League-Leading Blocks (3.4 BPG) – No one else was close.
✅ Elite Defensive Versatility – Can guard 1 through 5.
✅ Disrupts Opposing Offenses – Forces teams to avoid the paint entirely.
The Case For NO
❌ Spurs’ Bad Record – Defense is about team success too.
❌ Still Foul-Prone – Averaged 3.5 fouls per game, limiting minutes.
Expert Take:
“Wemby is already a top 5 rim protector, but he needs to cut down fouls to crack the overall top 10.” – NBA NewsZ analyst
Can Wembanyama Lead the Spurs to the 2025 Playoffs?
Victor Wembanyama’s Rookie Stats 2024, The Spurs finished near the bottom of the West in 2024, but with another year of development and smart roster moves, they could contend for the Play-In.
What the Spurs Need Around Wemby
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A True Point Guard (Tre Jones isn’t enough)
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More Shooting (Team ranked 29th in 3PM)
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Veteran Leadership (Could target Chris Paul or Kyle Lowry)
Prediction: If the Spurs add two key pieces, they’ll fight for the 8th seed in 2025.
Read More: NBA Play-In Tournament 2024: Dates, Matchups, and Who Will Advance?
Final Verdict: Wembanyama’s Historic Rookie Year
Victor Wembanyama wasn’t just the best rookie in 2024—he was one of the most impactful defenders in the NBA. While he still needs to improve his efficiency and cut fouls, his ceiling is higher than any player since LeBron.
The Spurs have their next franchise superstar, and the NBA should be scared of what’s coming.
For more NBA rookie analysis, visit NBA NewsZ.
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