Victor Wembanyama is set to celebrate his 21st birthday on Saturday, marking the end of his time as a 20-year-old in the NBA. On the eve of this significant milestone, he also reached the notable achievement of participating in 100 NBA games.
As we examine his impressive statistics, it’s clear that Wembanyama is making quite a mark in the league at such a young age. He has accumulated a total of 2,278 points so far, placing him as only the seventh player in the past 45 years to score that many points within his first 100 games. Other basketball legends, including Michael Jordan (2,721), Zion Williamson (2,524), and Shaquille O’Neal (2,427), have also reached similar heights. Notably, Wembanyama becomes the 12th player to achieve this milestone before the age of 21, with LeBron James leading that category at 4,649 points through 186 games.
Wembanyama’s recent 35-point performance in a game against Denver has elevated his career scoring average to 22.7 points, putting him just slightly ahead of Kevin Durant’s average at the same age. The only players who managed to maintain higher scoring averages, with at least 50 games under their belts before turning 21, include Williamson (25.7), James (25.0), Doncic (24.2), and O’Neal (24.0).
In terms of rebounds, Wembanyama has recorded 1,053, becoming the first athlete since Shaquille O’Neal to average over 20 points and 10 rebounds prior to his 21st birthday. O’Neal had an incredible average of 24 points and 14.2 rebounds in his first 54 games, while Wembanyama boasts an average of 22.7 points alongside 10.5 rebounds.
When looking at assists, Wembanyama has racked up 386 in his 100 games, a commendable statistic. However, this is especially impressive for a player of his height. Historically, among 7-foot centers with similar or higher assist totals, only Bill Walton (440 assists) and Brad Daugherty (398 assists) share this distinction.
On the defensive front, Wembanyama has registered 366 blocks in his first 100 games. This achievement features him among an elite group, as only two players have surpassed his block total since the statistic became official in the 1971-72 season: Manute Bol (425) and David Robinson (383). Denver’s head coach, Michael Malone, praised Wembanyama’s shot-blocking prowess after the game on Friday.
Finally, in the realm of three-point shooting, Wembanyama’s total of 225 triples through his first 100 games is particularly noteworthy. This total outpaces that of Stephen Curry, the NBA’s all-time leader, who had 200 in his inaugural 100 games. Wembanyama ranks 11th in three-pointers made within the first 100 games in NBA history, and it’s remarkable to note that he stands 7-foot-4, showcasing skills more typically associated with guards.
