How many awards will the rookie secure following his remarkable debut season?

Photos by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images

Victor Wembanyama may have concluded his season on the court, but his anticipation is far from over as he awaits the outcomes of three potential awards. In the upcoming week, the NBA will unveil the winners of various prestigious awards, along with announcing the coveted All-NBA teams. It comes as no surprise that Wemby has a firm grip in the Rookie of the Year conversation, with the young Frenchman expected to secure the award.

However, what’s more intriguing is where Wembanyama stands in contention for other accolades. One particularly heated debate revolves around the Defensive Player of the Year award, where Victor finds himself locked in a somewhat tight race against Rudy Gobert. The battle between these two formidable defenders has sparked spirited discussions among voters, leaving the outcome hanging in some suspense.

As discussions intensify among media pundits, Wembanyama’s name continues to resound with increasing frequency. Influential figures in the NBA media landscape, such as Ryen Russillo and Chris Broussard, have publicly declared their support for Wemby’s candidacy. Their endorsements reflect a growing momentum in favor of the rookie, who aims to carve his name in history as the first-ever rookie to claim the esteemed Defensive Player of the Year award.

In a surprising turn of events, the recent Bill Simmons Podcast featured a conversation between the host and Russillo, delving into the composition of their respective All-NBA teams. Bill Simmons, in a moment of contemplation, revealed his deliberation to include Wembanyama on his third All-NBA team — an acknowledgment that underscores the profound impact the rookie has made since the All-Star break.

In retrospect, securing both the Defensive Player of the Year award and a spot on the All-NBA teams would represent a remarkable achievement of Wembanyama’s stellar debut campaign. Yet, irrespective of the outcome, these accolades pale in comparison to the indelible mark he has already left on the league this season. Whether or not he clinches these honors will not detract from the inevitability of his dominance on the court for years to come.

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I, for one, am eagerly anticipating the upcoming interview between Kevin O’Connor and Wembanyama.

Paul Garcia’s insightful analytics provide valuable context to Wembanyama’s exceptional performance this season.

Listening to audio commentary like this during games adds an extra layer of excitement, especially considering Wembanyama’s intimidating shot-blocking prowess.

Wembanyama had the opportunity to meet some of the biggest superstars this season, including Tom Brady. However, according to him, meeting author Brandon Sanderson was perhaps his most cherished encounter of the year.

Since the season’s conclusion, Wembanyama has been dedicated to giving back to the community. Here he is seen in the San Antonio community, spending time with young Spurs fans and making a positive impact.