Victor Wembanyama - the name that sends shivers down America's spine. Since his arrival in 2023, the Alien has been ticking one box after another.
Rookie of the Year, All-Star, All-Defensive First Team, close to 25 points per game, arguably the best counter-attacker in the NBA, and the overwhelming favourite for the next Defensive Player of the Year. All that in two seasons.
The problem was that his second season was cut short after the All-Star Game - a blood clot problem that Wemby and the San Antonio Spurs didn't want to take any chances with. No European Championships on ice, but the speeches and the preseason are clearly reassuring: Wembanyama is ready.
But ready for what exactly? Spurs are not really contenders, not yet anyway.
A title remains the No. 1 objective, except that it seems a little too soon. What about the Most Valuable Player award? Without a quality team record, it's hard to imagine.
But the season itself, both statistically and in terms of dominance, should undoubtedly be exceptional. If his physique holds up...
Because a second season with 46 games played is no small feat, and his physical condition will likely remain a major concern for him. This may be the main obstacle to his total explosion, because other than that, he should continue his impressive rise.
He's already among the top ten players in the world. But the last few steps are always the most difficult to climb.
2024/2025 stats: 24.3 points per game, 11.0 rebounds per game, 3.8 assists per game (46 games)
Projection for 2025/2026: 28.0 points per game, 12.0 rebounds per game, 4.0 assists per game, Defensive Player of the Year candidate, All-NBA First Team candidate