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Spurs ‘Extraterrestrial’ Reacts to Winning Rookie of the Year

San Antonio Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama, 2023-24/2024 NBA Rookie of the Yeat

On Monday, San Antonio Spurs forward-center Victor Wembanyama was revealed as the 2023-24 Rookie of the Year, the runaway winner for an award many expected him to take home after a historic rookie season.

The No. 1 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, Wembanyama entered the league with the more pomp and circumstance than any prospect not named LeBron James. His combination of size, fluidity, shooting, and ball-handling ability was what somebody would think of if creating a player on 2K. Yet, as his opponents soon discovered, Wembanyama is very real.

All but unstoppable with two feet in the circle and nearly unguardable beyond the arc due to his height (7-foot-4) and standing reach (9-foot-7), Wembanyama became increasingly comfortable scoring in one-on-one situations as the season progressed. However, his defense stole the show. Wembanyama’s musculature may not be imposing but his length and ability to cover ground made players hesitant. His timing and tenacity as a shot-blocker are reasons why he’s a finalist for the Defensive Player of the Year Award as well.

Victor Wembanyama Reacts to Winning Rookie of the Year Award

After winning Rookie of the Year, Wembanyama made an Instagram post thanking everyone in the Spurs’ organization. He also showed his appreciation for his fans and the city of San Antonio, as both welcomed him with open arms.

“This one is for my teammates,” Wembanyama writes (h/t ESPN reporter Andrew Lopez), “for the entire staff from trainers to coaches, from the chef at the cafeteria to the ushers at the arena every night, for the Spurs organization, for the best fans in the world having our back winning or losing.

And last but not least for the city of San Antonio, I found a home here. Thank you all.”

A Look at the Voting

After receiving all 99 first-place votes, Wembanyama was the league’s first unanimous Rookie of the Year winner since Karl-Anthony Towns in 2016. He’s just the sixth player in NBA history to have that distinction. He’s just the third player in Spurs history to earn Rookie of the Year honors, joining David Robinson and Tim Duncan.

Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren, the second overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, finished in second-place. The 22-year-old won 98 of the 99 second-place votes. The lone second-place vote that Holmgren didn’t win went to Charlotte Hornets swingman Brandon Miller, who finished in third-place.

Wembanyama averaged 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 3.6 blocks, and 1.2 steals per game in 2023-24.

Quenton S Albertie

Quenton S Albertie

Quenton Albertie, a native of Ft. Hood, TX, is a credentialed media member with work featured on SLAM Magazine, Sports Illustrated, USA TODAY and other major publications. Currently residing in Atlanta, GA, Albertie’s favorite teams are the Cleveland Cavaliers and Denver Broncos.

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