Inside The Spurs

Spurs' Victor Wembanyama: Rookie All-Star?

There isn't any lack of talent when it comes to Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama, but his chances of joining an elite group of players in February in his first season may come down to one key aspect.

Matt Guzman

Spurs' Victor Wembanyama: Rookie All-Star?
Spurs' Victor Wembanyama: Rookie All-Star? /
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If Summer League was a San Antonio Spurs tryout, Victor Wembanyama would have made the cut every time. 

Between his hustle, his playmaking ability and even his postgame interviews, the 7-4 rookie put on a show, setting himself apart from every other draft prospect in more ways than one. With that, however, comes high expectations — most of which have already been set up for the 19-year-old. 

Whether he meets those expectations within his first season or not, he's certainly going to try, but what does that mean? 

Yes, the Spurs are hoping to become title contenders, and yes, Wembanyama will be a critical part of that. But could that lead to more than just a starting spot in San Antonio, or a Rookie of the Year award? 

Some representatives from ESPN seem to think so, going as far as to put Wembanyama in All-Star talks before the season has even begun. 

"Maybe it's an injury replacement, but it's going to come down to how many games he plays," Jonathan Givony said of Wembanyama's All-Star chances. "The impact that he's going to make defensively is going to be immediate." 

Wembanyama's instant impact will certainly be on display next season, especially if the forward can better adjust to the feel of the NBA. At his height, he makes for an elite defender and a potential spark plug on offense, especially if coach Gregg Popovich chooses to run it through him. Even so, becoming an All-Star isn't an easy thing to do as a rookie. 

The last player to do so was Boston's Blake Griffin in 2011 — who spent his rookie season with the Los Angeles Clippers, averaging 22.5 points, 12.1 rebounds and 1.3 combined blocks and steals. Griffin isn't the only one to have done it, either, as other NBA legends like Shaquille O'Neil and Michael Jordan also earned the distinction in their rookie seasons. 

But to Givony's point, the likelihood of Wembanyama joining that list of rookies will depend on his health. Obviously, keeping the 7-4 French phenom will be a top priority for the Spurs, and if it goes well, he certainly could have an All-Star impact right away. On the other hand, if he doesn't play much because of his health, he could wave that chance goodbye. 

It all seems to rest in his hands, now.

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Matt Guzman
MATT GUZMAN

Matt Guzman is a sports journalist and storyteller from Austin, Texas. He serves as a credentialed reporter and site manager for San Antonio Spurs On SI and a staff writer for multiple collegiate sites in the same network. In the world of professional sports, he is a firm believer that athletes are people, too, and intends to tell stories of players and teams’ true, behind-the-scenes character that otherwise would not be seen through strong narrative writing, hooking ledes and passionate words.

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