Victor Wembanyama Year 3: Is He Already the Best Big Man in the NBA?
Victor Wembanyama is 22 years old, 7-foot-4, and in his third NBA season. The hype was enormous when he was drafted first overall in 2023, and somehow he's exceeded it. Here is where Wemby stands in year 3.
The numbers
Stats: 25.4 PPG, 11.2 RPG, 3.8 APG, 3.6 BPG, 1.2 SPG
Those block numbers are historic. Wembanyama is averaging 3.6 blocks per game, which would be the highest single-season average since Mark Eaton in 1985. His 7-foot-8 wingspan makes him a one-man no-fly zone — players simply don't want to drive to the basket when Wemby is in the paint.
But he's not just a defender. Wembanyama is shooting 37% from three on 5.2 attempts per game. A 7-foot-4 center who can shoot threes, block shots, and handle the ball — there's never been anything like him in NBA history.
The Spurs' transformation
San Antonio is 38-28 and in the playoff picture for the first time since the post-Kawhi era. Wembanyama is the reason. The Spurs' defense is top-5 in the league, and their offense has improved dramatically with the addition of Dylan Harper in the backcourt. The Wemby-Harper duo is the most exciting young pairing in the NBA.
Is he the best big man already?
The argument for Wemby: he's the best defender in the league, he can shoot threes, he can handle the ball, and he's only 22. His ceiling is higher than any player in the NBA.
The argument for Jokic: Jokic is still the better offensive player, the better passer, and the more impactful player overall. His three MVPs and championship ring give him the edge in any debate.
Right now, Jokic is still the best big man in basketball. But Wembanyama is closing the gap fast. By next season, the debate might be over. Wemby's combination of defense, shooting, and athleticism is unlike anything we've ever seen. He's not just the future of the NBA — he's already one of the best players in the present.
What comes next
The Spurs are building around Wembanyama for the next decade. With Harper, a strong supporting cast, and Gregg Popovich's coaching tree still in place, San Antonio is positioned to be a contender for years to come. Wembanyama's prime hasn't even started yet. That's the scariest part.