What Victor Wembanyama NBA All-Star Weekend debut means to him

• Victor Wembanyama NBA All-Star Weekend debut at the Rising Stars Tournament added more love and fame
• The crowd gave him a rousing reception as his name was called for Team Pau.
• Wembanyama stands as the clear favourite to win NBA Rookie of the Year

Victor Wembanyama NBA All-Star Weekend debut at the Rising Stars Tournament added more love and fame to his name.

The crowd gave him a rousing reception as his name was called for Team Pau. He wasted no time in making an impact, netting the game’s opening basket in a pick-and-pop play with Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski.

Wembanyama showcased his defensive prowess with a crucial block towards the end of the game. However, it was G League Ignite wing Matas Buzelis who sealed the victory for Team Detlef,

His baseline jumper, propelled them to the final against eventual champions, Team Jalen.  The Frenchman concluded the game with 11 points, seven rebounds, and two blocks.

How Many NBA Players are Playing in NBA All-Star Weekend?

Victor Wembanyama. Photo/Sports Illustrated

A total of 31 NBA players were chosen for the Rising Stars competition. He’s standing out from the crowd and establishing himself in the NBA.

Wembanyama stands as the clear favourite to win NBA Rookie of the Year going into the weekend. He now leads all rookies in points scored, rebounds scored, total steals, blocks, and field goals.

While Team Pau lost, the Frenchman still enjoyed the show against talented players in the league.  Fellow NBA players are not shying away from admitting that he is a formidable player.

Bilal Coulibaly of the Washington Wizards says the world can only admire Wembanyama’s talent. He has inspired a lot of young kids to play basketball back in France.

“I knew how good he was playing with him last year in France, but now the whole world is seeing it. There’s a lot of young talent coming up in France, and a lot of kids now are playing basketball because of Victor and what he’s doing in the NBA,” Coulibaly told Yahoo Sports.

How Does Victor Wembanyama NBA All-Star Weekend Debut Feel?

Victor Wembanyama NBA All-Star Weekend debut marked an important phase in the history of basketball talents. The San Antonio Spurs star has exceeded all expectations as the most eagerly awaited player to join the NBA.

At 7”4 foot tall, the Frenchman marked his place at the Rising Stars tournament but he is not done yet. He is competing at the Skills Challenge on Saturday night.

Looking back at all that he has achieved he is only sorry that he did not join the NBA earlier. His dream as a kid was to play for France in the 2016 Olympics and he is now living the dream.

“When I was a kid, my goal was to make the 2016 Olympics with the [French] national team, so, unfortunately, I’m a little late on that one. I already had high expectations for myself at a very young age.”

Victor Wembanyama of San Antonio Spurs. Photo/CNN

With 156 blocks in 49 games, Wembanyama leads all NBA players. He also leads all rookies with 56 steals. To put those figures in context, Rudy Gobert finished the 2018 Defensive Player of the Year campaign with 129 blocks and 44 steals. This season, Wembanyama has accomplished feats that no other player in the league can match.

What is Victor Wembanyama Salary?

The first overall pick by San Antonio Spurs in the 2023 NBAA Draft earns decently annually.  His pay will rise in 2026 should he keep up with his sterling performance.

Wembanyama and the Spurs agreed on a four-year deal. The final two seasons are up to the team, with the first two being guaranteed. According to Spotrac, Wembanyama’s pay will begin at $12.2 million and rise to $16.9 million in 2026–2027.

His entire rookie contract value with the Spurs is $55.2 million. He is among the highest-paid players at his position thanks to his deal. He is ranked 21st in average value and 15th in total value among centres.

Is Victor Wembanyama a Rising Star?

Without a doubt, Victor Wembanyama is a true rising star in the NBA. He is among a crop of the most promising NBA players the league can count on in the future.