History of Victor Wembanyama in Timeline

Victor Wembanyama, a French professional basketball player, is widely regarded as one of the greatest prospects in basketball history. Nicknamed "Wemby" and "the Alien," his unique blend of exceptional height, agility, and diverse skillset made him the number one overall pick in the 2023 NBA draft by the San Antonio Spurs. His arrival in the NBA has generated significant excitement and high expectations for his future performance and impact on the league.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1959: Wilt Chamberlain scores 40+ points and 15+ rebounds in a Christmas game

In 1959, Wilt Chamberlain scored 40+ points and 15+ rebounds in a Christmas game.

1961: Wilt Chamberlain scores 40+ points and 15+ rebounds in a Christmas game

In 1961, Wilt Chamberlain scored 40+ points and 15+ rebounds in a Christmas game.

February 2003: Father Acquires French Nationality

On February 10, 2003, Félix, Victor Wembanyama's father, acquired French nationality by naturalisation.

2003: Compared to LeBron James

In 2003, many publications called Wembanyama the most anticipated newcomer to the league since LeBron James.

January 2004: Victor Wembanyama Born in Le Chesnay

In January 2004, Victor Wembanyama was born in Le Chesnay, in the Paris region, France, to Félix Wembanyama and Élodie de Fautereau.

January 2004: Victor Wembanyama's Birth

In January 2004, Victor Wembanyama was born. He is considered one of the best basketball prospects ever.

2006: Andrea Bargnani Drafted First Overall

In 2006, Andrea Bargnani was drafted first overall in the NBA draft. Wembanyama is the second European player to achieve this after Andrea Bargnani.

2013: Drew the attention of Nanterre

In 2013, Wembanyama drew the attention of Nanterre after a youth coach noticed him on the bench at an under-11 game due to his height.

February 2018: Loaned to FC Barcelona for Minicopa del Rey

In February 2018, Wembanyama was loaned to FC Barcelona for the Minicopa del Rey, an under-14 tournament in Spain, where he led his team to third place.

October 2019: Professional Debut in EuroCup

On October 29, 2019, Wembanyama made his professional debut for Nanterre 92 against Brescia in the EuroCup, playing 31 seconds.

2019: Represented France at FIBA U16 European Championship

In 2019, Wembanyama represented France at the FIBA U16 European Championship in Udine, Italy, where he recorded 12 points, 21 rebounds, and eight blocks in a quarterfinal win over Croatia. He averaged nine points, 9.6 rebounds, and a tournament-leading 5.3 blocks per game, leading France to a silver medal and earning all-tournament team honors.

2019: Started professional career with Nanterre 92

In 2019, at the age of 15, Wembanyama started his professional career with Nanterre 92 of the LNB Pro A.

February 2020: Played at Adidas Next Generation Tournament

In February 2020, Wembanyama played for Nanterre's under-18 team at the Kaunas qualifying tournament for the Adidas Next Generation Tournament, earning all-tournament team honours.

September 2020: LNB Pro A debut

On September 23, 2020, Wembanyama made his LNB Pro A debut, grabbing one rebound in four minutes against JL Bourg.

May 2021: Season-highs against Orléans Loiret and Pro A Best Young Player

In May 2021, Wembanyama recorded season-highs of 14 points and 10 rebounds in a win over Orléans Loiret, and was named Pro A Best Young Player.

June 2021: Signed with ASVEL

On June 29, 2021, Wembanyama signed a three-year contract with ASVEL of the Pro A and the EuroLeague.

2021: Clint Capela Triple-Double via points, rebounds, and blocks

Clint Capela made a triple-double via points, rebounds, and blocks in 2021. Wembanyama is the next player to do this on February 12, 2024.

2021: Competed at FIBA Under-19 Basketball World Cup

In 2021, Wembanyama competed at the FIBA Under-19 Basketball World Cup in Latvia, where he averaged 14 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 5.7 blocks per game. He was named to the all-tournament team after leading France to a silver medal. In the final against the United States, he recorded 22 points, eight rebounds, and eight blocks. Wembanyama also set the FIBA record for blocks per game in a single tournament.

2021: Won a silver medal at the FIBA Under-19 World Cup

In 2021, Wembanyama led his team to a silver medal at the FIBA Under-19 World Cup, where he set the FIBA record for blocks per game in a single tournament.

2021: Ruled out of EuroBasket 2022 due to injury

In 2021, Wembanyama suffered an injury at the end of the 2021-22 season which ruled him out of EuroBasket 2022, a month ahead of time.

July 2022: Signed with Metropolitans 92

On July 4, 2022, Wembanyama signed a two-year contract with Metropolitans 92 of the LNB Pro A.

October 2022: Gained Recognition from American Media

In October 2022, Wembanyama gained recognition from American media after two exhibition games against the NBA G League Ignite in Las Vegas.

November 2022: Debut with senior French national team

In November 2022, Wembanyama debuted with the senior French national team, scoring 20 points and grabbing nine rebounds in a win over Lithuania.

November 2022: Career-High Performance Against Limoges CSP

On November 4, 2022, Wembanyama posted a career-high 33 points, 12 rebounds, four assists, and three blocks in a win against Limoges CSP.

2022: Nikola Jokić scores 40+ points and 15+ rebounds in a Christmas game

In 2022, Nikola Jokić scored 40+ points and 15+ rebounds in a Christmas game.

2022: Moved to ASVEL

In 2022, Wembanyama moved to ASVEL and won the Pro A title in his only season with the team.

2022: Signed with agent Bouna Ndiaye

In 2022, Wembanyama signed with agent Bouna Ndiaye of Comsport, who had been advising him since he was 15 years old.

January 2023: Game-Winning Dunk Against ASVEL

On January 9, 2023, Wembanyama made a game-winning putback dunk and recorded 15 points, nine rebounds, and five blocks in a win over ASVEL.

June 2023: Measured at 7 feet 3+1⁄2 inches

In June 2023, Wembanyama was measured at 7 feet 3+1⁄2 inches (2.22 m) and entered the NBA as one of the league's tallest players. He has an estimated 8-foot wingspan.

June 2023: Drafted by the San Antonio Spurs

On June 22, 2023, Wembanyama was selected by the San Antonio Spurs with the first overall pick in the 2023 NBA draft.

July 2023: Became a brand ambassador for Barcode

In July 2023, Wembanyama became a brand ambassador for the sports drink brand Barcode. He has also partnered with Nike, 2K, Fanatics, and Louis Vuitton. While Wembanyama doesn't have his own signature sneaker yet, he helped design his own player exclusive version of the Nike GT Hustle 2, called "The Alien", inspired by his nickname.

NIKE G.T. Hustle 2 Mens Basketball Shoes DJ9405-102 (White/Black), Size 10

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2023: Incident with Britney Spears during NBA Summer League

During the 2023 Las Vegas NBA Summer League, Wembanyama and his security team were involved in an incident with pop singer Britney Spears. Spears tapped Wembanyama on the back, leading to his security striking Spears in the face; no charges were filed after the incident.

2023: Wembanyama Drafted First Overall

In 2023, Victor Wembanyama was selected first overall by the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA draft, marking a significant career milestone.

2023: NBA Summer League Debut

In 2023, Wembanyama made his NBA Summer League debut on July 7 against the Charlotte Hornets, recording nine points and eight rebounds.

January 2024: First Career Triple-Double

On January 10, 2024, Wembanyama achieved his first career triple-double with 16 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists in a win against the Detroit Pistons.

May 2024: Named 2024 NBA Rookie of the Year

In May 2024, Victor Wembanyama was unanimously named the 2024 NBA Rookie of the Year, becoming the sixth rookie to achieve this honor unanimously. He also matched Manute Bol's record as the only rookies to lead the league in blocks per game and total blocks in a season. He also achieved second place in voting for the 2024 NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award, behind Rudy Gobert, and was named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team, as the first rookie and youngest player in NBA history.

October 2024: Second career five-by-five game

In October 2024, Wembanyama achieved his second career five-by-five game with 25 points, nine rebounds, seven assists, five steals, and five blocks. He became the third player in NBA history to record multiple five-by-five games, joining Hakeem Olajuwon and Andrei Kirilenko. On other dates in the month, he also had standout performances, including a game with 24 points, 13 rebounds, three assists, three steals and nine blocks against the Los Angeles Clippers, and another with 24 points, 16 rebounds, seven blocks, and six-of-nine from three-point range against the Utah Jazz. He also became the first player in NBA history to have multiple games with 20+ points, 15+ rebounds, 5+ three-pointers, and 5+ blocks.

2024: Played in the 2024 Summer Olympics

In 2024, Wembanyama represented France at the Summer Olympics held in Paris, his native city. He scored 19 points and had 9 rebounds in his Olympic debut. France reached the final after wins over Canada and Germany, facing the United States. Wembanyama scored 26 points in the final, but the United States won, leaving France with a silver medal. He was named the tournament's Rising Star and to the All-Star Five, averaging 15.8 points, 9.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 2 blocks, and 1.7 steals per game.

2024: Won a silver medal at the Olympics

In 2024, Wembanyama won a silver medal playing for the French national team at the Olympics.

2024: NBA Rookie of the Year

In 2024, following a historic rookie season in the NBA, Wembanyama was unanimously named the NBA Rookie of the Year and finished second in the Defensive Player of the Year voting.

January 2025: Named as reserve for the 2025 NBA All-Star Game

In January 2025, Wembanyama was named as reserve for the 2025 NBA All-Star Game, marking his first selection.

June 2025: Participated in a 10-day retreat at the Shaolin Temple

In June 2025, Victor Wembanyama participated in a 10-day retreat at the Shaolin Temple in Zhengzhou, China for martial arts training. During the retreat, Wembanyama experienced intensive kung fu practice, including over 1,000 kicks per day, and learned about the life of a warrior monk, which combines Buddhism and kung fu.

October 2025: Season debut with 40 points and Spurs franchise record

In October 2025, Wembanyama debuted with 40 points, 15 rebounds, and three blocks in a win over the Dallas Mavericks. His 40 points surpassed George Gervin's record for the most points scored in a season-opening game in Spurs history. Later in the month, he recorded 27 points, 18 rebounds, six assists, and five blocks in a victory over the Miami Heat, contributing to the Spurs' best start to a season in franchise history at 5-0.