SAN FRANCISCO — Victor Wembanyama made waves during last year’s All-Star weekend in Indianapolis, where he shone in multiple events, including the Rising Stars competition and the Skills Challenge. Leaving with aspirations of participating in the main All-Star game, he expressed, “Next year, hopefully, the big game.”
Fast forward to this season, and the highly anticipated moment has arrived. Wembanyama, now a first-time All-Star, is set to compete in the NBA’s newly introduced All-Star mini-tournament on Sunday in San Francisco. He will be joined by an impressive lineup of teammates, including notable players such as Denver’s Nikola Jokic, Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Indiana’s Pascal Siakam, New York’s Karl-Anthony Towns, Cleveland’s Donovan Mitchell, Atlanta’s Trae Young, and fellow first-time All-Star, Houston’s Alperen Sengun.
Wembanyama’s inclusion in the All-Star roster seemed almost expected. As the reigning rookie of the year, he has already gained significant international recognition. According to the league, Wembanyama’s social media content ranks among the most viewed, and his jersey is currently one of the top-selling globally.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver highlighted Wembanyama’s rising star status by referencing a memorable moment he experienced in New York. After playing the Knicks and then the Brooklyn Nets during a Christmas game, Wembanyama ventured to Washington Square Park with a chess board, engaging in games as basketball fans flocked to witness him. The result? Over 100 million views on social media within just a few days, showcasing Wembanyama’s exceptional appeal and the public’s fascination with athletes’ off-court activities.
This year features six All-Star rookies, with Wembanyama leading the pack as the youngest and tallest. He just turned 21 and stands at an official height of 7-foot-3. He’s expected to attract considerable attention during the festivities in San Francisco.
Spurs forward Harrison Barnes remarked on the excitement surrounding Wembanyama’s All-Star selection, stating, “I think it was really just a testament to the person that he is. Obviously, he works extremely hard.” He noted that despite receiving a lot of attention, Wembanyama is focused on celebrating his team’s success rather than seeking the spotlight for himself.
Among the rookies, Miami’s Tyler Herro is the most seasoned, averaging 23.5 points this season. Heat captain Bam Adebayo commented on Herro’s journey amidst media speculation and trade rumors, expressing pride in Herro’s resilience amid adversity.
For Jalen Williams, the upcoming All-Star weekend will be reminiscent of his collegiate days. After playing at Santa Clara, he is eager to reconnect with his parents and friends as he returns to the area. “Honestly, I haven’t seen my parents in a minute, so that’ll be cool to see them out there,” Williams shared.
Cade Cunningham, another All-Star rookie, is enjoying a remarkable season with the Detroit Pistons, who are surprisingly competitive this year compared to last season’s struggles. He’s contributing significantly with an impressive 25.4 points per game, and he shared his gratitude for the journey so far, stating, “It’s been a lot of work… I’m just thankful for the moment.”
Alperen Sengun is part of a revitalized Houston team that has high hopes for a postseason run after narrowly missing the playoffs last year. Reflecting on his success, Sengun expressed gratitude to his team and fans, declaring, “This is just the beginning.”
Evan Mobley’s All-Star selection highlights the continued importance of defense and rebounding in basketball, as he plays a crucial role for a Cleveland squad that currently leads the Eastern Conference. He acknowledged the hard work that led to this achievement, saying, “Hopefully more to come.”
With all six rookies poised to showcase their skills, the All-Star weekend promises to be an exciting showcase of emerging talent within the NBA.
