History of Victor Wembanyama in Timeline

Victor Wembanyama, nicknamed "Wemby" and "The Alien", is a French professional basketball player for the San Antonio Spurs. He was the first overall pick in the 2023 NBA draft, selected by the Spurs. Wembanyama is considered an exceptional prospect because of his unusual blend of size, skill, and athleticism for a player of his stature, which encompasses height, length, speed, agility, ball-handling, shooting range, and defensive abilities.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

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

In 1959, Wilt Chamberlain scored 40+ points and 15+ rebounds in a Christmas game, a feat matched by Wembanyama in 2023.

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

In 1961, Wilt Chamberlain again scored 40+ points and 15+ rebounds in a Christmas game, a feat matched by Wembanyama in 2023.

2003: Most anticipated newcomer since LeBron James in 2003

Wembanyama is widely regarded as one of the greatest NBA prospects in a generation; many publications called him the most anticipated newcomer to the league since LeBron James in 2003.

January 2004: Victor Wembanyama Born

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

2019: Represented France at the 2019 FIBA U16 European Championship

In 2019, Wembanyama represented France at the FIBA U16 European Championship held in Udine, Italy. During a quarterfinal game against Croatia, he recorded 12 points, 21 rebounds, and eight blocks, contributing to an 80–78 victory. He averaged nine points, 9.6 rebounds, and a tournament-leading 5.3 blocks per game throughout the championship, helping France secure a silver medal and earning him all-tournament team honors.

2021: Injury Suffered at the End of the 2021-22 Season

At the end of the 2021 season, Wembanyama suffered an injury that ruled him out of EuroBasket 2022.

2021: Competed at the 2021 FIBA Under-19 Basketball World Cup

In 2021, Wembanyama competed at the FIBA Under-19 Basketball World Cup in Latvia. He averaged 14 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 5.7 blocks per game, leading France to a silver medal. He was named to the all-tournament team and set a FIBA record for blocks per game in a single tournament.

November 2022: Debut with the senior French national team

In November 2022, Wembanyama debuted with the senior French national team, scoring 20 points and grabbing nine rebounds in a 90–65 win over Lithuania.

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

In 2022, Nikola Jokić scored 40+ points and 15+ rebounds in a Christmas game, a feat matched by Wembanyama in 2023.

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.

July 2023: Became brand ambassador for Barcode

In July 2023, Wembanyama became a brand ambassador for the sports drink brand Barcode.

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2023: Consensus number-one pick in 2023 NBA draft projections

During his final season before becoming eligible for the 2023 NBA draft, Wembanyama was the consensus number-one pick in draft projections.

January 2024: First Career Triple-Double

On 10 January 2024, Wembanyama achieved his first career triple-double with 16 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists in a 130–108 win over 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 through a unanimous vote. Additionally, he joined Manute Bol as the only rookies in NBA history to lead the league in blocks per game and total blocks in a season. Wembanyama also secured a spot on the NBA All-Defensive First Team, marking him as the first rookie and youngest player to achieve this feat.

October 2024: Second career five-by-five game

In October 2024, Wembanyama achieved his second career five-by-five game, recording 25 points, nine rebounds, seven assists, five steals, and five blocks. He became the third player in NBA history to achieve multiple five-by-five games, alongside Hakeem Olajuwon and Andrei Kirilenko.

2024: Played at the 2024 Summer Olympics

In 2024, Wembanyama played for France at the Summer Olympics held in Paris. He scored 19 points and had 9 rebounds in his Olympic debut against Brazil. Wembanyama helped France to reach the final, eventually winning a silver medal after a loss to the United States. He was named the tournament's Rising Star and a member of the All-Star Five, averaging 15.8 points, 9.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 2 blocks, and 1.7 steals per game.