The San Antonio Spurs are just two days away from their regular-season opener against the Dallas Mavericks, and they're eager to see another step forward from their All-Star center.
Victor Wembanyama, the top pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, is fresh off his first All-Star nod in the 2024-25 campaign. However, the 21-year-old also faced a serious health issue that sidelined him for the remainder of the season following the All-Star break.
Wembanyama was diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder and had his sophomore season cut short, finishing with averages of 24.3 points, 11.0 rebounds, 3.8 blocks, 3.7 assists and 1.1 steals per game across 46 regular-season outings. Despite the setback, the Frenchman is fully healthy entering the 2025-26 campaign.
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Victor Wembanyama predicted to finish top 5 in MVP voting
The Spurs will look to Wembanyama and De’Aaron Fox to lead a team featuring reigning Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle and second overall pick Dylan Harper to the postseason. Wembanyama's production will be key, and Bleacher Report's Andy Bailey predicted the big man will finish top five in MVP voting this season.
“And while Jokic, Giannis, SGA and Luka perennially put up the kind of video game numbers that might make it impossible for Wemby to snag an MVP, he can absolutely get a handful of third- and fourth-place votes and finish in the top five,” Bailey wrote.
Wembanyama's defensive impact will likely place him in Defensive Player of the Year consideration, though another leap in offensive prowess will be crucial for MVP voting.
The 7-foot-5 center is poised to take another significant jump with a Spurs squad aiming to return to the playoffs following a six-year drought. If Wembanyama stays healthy and San Antonio exceeds expectations, it wouldn't be surprising to see him in serious MVP discussions.
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