Victor Wembanyama’s uniqueness was on full display during the recent All-Star Game events, particularly when he was seen with a book in the locker room. This intriguing moment was captured in a video shared by the NBA, which showcased a brief exchange between Wembanyama and Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic. Jokic expressed his surprise at Wembanyama’s choice of a pre-game routine, asking, “You really brought a book?” to which Wembanyama confidently responded, “I read before every game.”
Even amidst the festivities of All-Star weekend, Wembanyama remained true to himself. He and his Spurs teammate Chris Paul found themselves disqualified from the skills competition on Saturday when Wembanyama tried to exploit what he considered a loophole in the rules to enhance their chances of winning. On the following day, he carried a book with him and appeared visibly disappointed after his team’s loss in the All-Star tournament final. The San Antonio Spurs franchise is well-aware that Wembanyama is becoming the cornerstone of their team—and the broader NBA—as his influence and star power continue to grow.
LeBron James has consistently praised Wembanyama since the young French center entered the league, and those accolades have only increased. Reflecting on Wembanyama’s disciplined lifestyle, James remarked, “I’ve seen one quote that he says that nobody better call him past 9 o’clock at night because he’s either reading or he’s asleep. I think that’s super cool… he’s going to be great for our league for so many years to come.”
Last season, Wembanyama was unanimously named Rookie of the Year. As the current season progresses, he is a favorite for the Defensive Player of the Year award, according to BetMGM Sportsbook, and is likely to secure a place on the All-NBA team, with MVP votes also expected to come his way.
His performance this season has been impressive, showcasing marked improvements in scoring, rebounding, and shooting percentages. Wembanyama has attempted 403 three-pointers and recorded an astounding 176 blocked shots by the All-Star break—an unmatched feat in NBA history. His current averages stand at 24.3 points, 11 rebounds, 3.8 blocks, and 3.7 assists, a combination achieved by no player other than Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in the 1975-76 season.
Stephen Curry, a veteran of the league, expressed his admiration for Wembanyama, stating, “Everything he does. Everything.”
The Spurs have faced their share of challenges this season, particularly with the health scare involving coach Gregg Popovich, who had a stroke in November and was limited to coaching only five games. Assistant Mitch Johnson stepped in and has reportedly managed the team well. Additionally, the season’s demanding travel schedule included a holiday trip to New York over Christmas, a week in France for the NBA Paris Games, as well as the difficulties faced while in Los Angeles during wildfire events. Currently, the team is navigating their annual rodeo road trip, which takes them away from home for much of February.
Chris Paul has pointed out that the Spurs have encountered several close losses, noting that 10 out of their 29 defeats occurred by five points or fewer. He expressed optimism for the latter part of the season, saying, “I think we can really put something together after the break.” With Wembanyama leading the team, the Spurs remain competitive and are in contention for a spot in the play-in tournament. As of now, they lie 3.5 games shy of the final play-in position with 30 games to go.
When discussing what the Spurs need to focus on during the season’s stretch run, Wembanyama stressed the importance of gaining confidence and enhancing their defensive capabilities, stating, “Going back to the status of one of the best defenses is the key.” This commitment to defense reflects his distinct approach to the game—prioritizing preparation, rest, and studying tactics. Fellow All-Stars have taken notice, with New York’s Jalen Brunson noting Wembanyama’s relentless competitiveness and dedication. Brunson praised Wembanyama’s commitment, stating, “It could be preseason, it could be in All-Star, he’s going to have that same mindset.”
As the NBA season progresses, Wembanyama’s impressive skills, intellect, and professional demeanor will undoubtedly continue to draw attention and admiration from fans and players alike.
