Victor Wembanyama, the San Antonio Spurs center, has achieved a significant milestone in his NBA career, marking 100 games played just before reaching the age of 21.
Wembanyama’s performance on the court has been nothing short of exceptional, with his scoring ability placing him among the greats. In his first 100 games, he amassed 2,278 points, making him only the seventh player in the past 45 years to surpass this mark. This accomplishment aligns him with legends like Michael Jordan, Zion Williamson, and Shaquille O’Neal.
At just 20 years old, Wembanyama’s scoring prowess places him as the 12th player to reach such a high point total before his 21st birthday. His career average of 22.7 points per game is slightly ahead of Kevin Durant’s early career numbers, demonstrating his scoring efficiency despite his young age.
Rebounding is another area where he excels, having collected 1,053 rebounds. Wembanyama stands as the first player since O’Neal to average at least 20 points and 10 rebounds per game before turning 21, underscoring his versatility and impact on both ends of the court.
While many have achieved high assist numbers before 21, Wembanyama, a 7-foot center, distinguishes himself here as well. He has 386 assists to his name, joining the ranks of Bill Walton and Brad Daugherty as the only centers with such numbers through their initial 100 games.
Defensively, Wembanyama is a force with 366 blocks to his credit. Since 1971-72, only Manute Bol and David Robinson have recorded more blocks in their first 100 games, an indicator of his defensive prowess and timing.
Perhaps most surprisingly, Wembanyama has hit 225 three-pointers in his first 100 games, surpassing even Stephen Curry, the renowned three-point shooter, who had 200 at the same point in his career. As a 7-foot-4 center, his ability to shoot from the perimeter adds an additional layer of threat to his game.
Victor Wembanyama’s achievements in his first 100 NBA games set a high standard for young players entering the league. His multifaceted skills and impressive statistics not only highlight his individual talent but also suggest a promising career ahead. As he turns 21, Wembanyama continues to captivate audiences and elevate the game with his remarkable presence and skill set.
Source: News4jax
