It’s a modest season for San Antonio in terms of results, perhaps even below expectations, but they can surely rely on one solid certainty: Victor Wembanyama is a generational talent like few others in the history of the game. With his 5 blocks against the Jazz in the 118-111 victory, the Frenchman became the first rookie since Shaquille O’Neal in 1992-93 to surpass 300 combined blocks and steals.
The history of the NBA is filled with talented rookies who have shown remarkable scoring ability in their first year as professionals. However, those who immediately make their presence felt on the defensive end are far less common.
It’s not surprising that it took over thirty years for a rookie to surpass 300 combined blocks and steals in a season. Until yesterday, the last rookie to achieve this feat was a young Shaquille O’Neal, who finished the 1992-93 season, his first as a professional with the Orlando Magic, with 346.
With his 5 blocks against the Jazz in the Spurs’ 118-111 victory, Victor Wembanyama reached the milestone of 300, tallying 221 blocks and 79 steals for the season. San Antonio still has 9 games remaining in the regular season, and if Wembanyama continues to play regularly, it’s entirely possible for the Frenchman to surpass Shaq’s record by the end of his debut season.
