Victor Vembanyama adds another honor to his rapidly growing resume
Set to run an NBA All-Star Game for the first time in his career, Victor Vembanyama received another all-league honor. The 7-foot-5 generational talent is the Western Conference Defensive Player of the Year for January. This is the second time Wemby has received the award since last season.
In 13 games during the month, runners-up for Defensive Player of the Year 2023-2024 recorded 132 rebounds, 29 blocks and 12 steals, becoming the only player in the West to record 100+ rebounds, 25+ and 10+ steals. His 2.2 blocks per game ranked third in the NBA while averaging just 27.7 minutes per game. With theirs anchor on the floorSpurs opponents shot just 42.4% compared to 48.0% when he was off the floor.
For the season, Vembanjama is averaging 24.1 points, 11 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 2.7 blocks in 28.9 minutes. He is first in the NBA in blocks per game and fourth in the league in rebounding. Wemby recorded three or more blocks in 16 games and had at least one block and one steal in 22 contests.
Led by Vembanjam, the Spurs rank fourth in opponent field goal percentage at 45.6% and sixth in the NBA in opponent points per game at 111.9. San Antonio is 27-11 when holding teams under 110 points and 23-7 when outscoring their opponent.
Unanimous 2023-’24 Rookie of the Year, Vembanjama earned his first All-Star nod last season. He was ineligible for what would have been his first Defensive Player of the Year trophy as he easily led the league in blocks when his season ended last February due to blood clots in his right shoulder. To begin his third season, he won West Player of the Week honors for the second time in his young career. Now, he has another prestigious award to add to his mantle.
2026-02-04 00:04:00
