Victor Wembanyama has officially entered his 21st year, celebrating his birthday on January 4, 2025, after delivering yet another spectacular performance on the court the night prior. On January 3, the San Antonio Spurs faced off against the Denver Nuggets, marking Wembanyama’s 100th career NBA game. The Spurs triumphed with a tight score of 113-110, as Wembanyama scored 35 points, demonstrating why he is one of the most anticipated talents to hit the NBA hardwood.
While many might celebrate such milestones with exuberance, Wembanyama’s priorities remain rooted on the court. "Trying to get a win, that's my birthday gift," he told reporters after the game, illustrating his dedication to the sport as he navigates his transitioning years both as a player and as a young adult. To many, turning 21 often evokes images of nightlife and celebration, but for the Spurs' star, it seems the highlight was just another chance to contribute to his team's success.
Since his entry to the league, Victor Wembanyama has consistently refrained from off-court distractions, prioritizing his growth as both player and person. This maturity is not only refreshing but is also reflected statistically. Averaging 22.7 points and 10.4 rebounds through the first 100 games of his career, he stands as the youngest player since Shaquille O'Neal to maintain such numbers. Only David Robinson, another Spurs legend, eclipses Wembanyama's scoring metrics when comparing their first 100 games—an indication of the bright future this athlete possesses.
Speaking of scoring, Wembanyama's 2,278 points places him among the elite. Only six other players within the last 45 years have accumulated similar points during their first 100 games, among them NBA legends like Michael Jordan and Shaquille O'Neal. His impressive scoring feat puts him twelfth on the all-time list of points scored before turning 21, trailing behind LeBron James who scored 4,649 points before reaching his birthday milestone.
Scoring is merely one aspect of Wembanyama's game; his rebounding statistics are equally remarkable. He has tallied 1,053 rebounds, making him the first player since O'Neal to average at least 20 points and 10 rebounds per game before turning 21. This combination of scoring and rebounding places Wembanyama comfortably among future all-time greats. Wembanyama's versatility on the court is showcased not only through his scoring and rebounding but also through his ability to pass. With 386 assists, he stands out for his unusual playmaking skills for someone of his stature—his height at 7 feet and 3 inches enables him to bring unique dimensions to the center position typically characterized by brute strength rather than finesse.
Defensively, Wembanyama has made headlines for his shot-blocking ability, with 366 blocks recorded during his first 100 games. He trails only two players—Manute Bol and David Robinson—since the inception of blocks as an official stat. His presence on the court often translates to complete dominance defensively, prompting Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone to commend him: "He is a tremendous shot-blocker." Such accolades from opposing coaches underline his immediate impact across the league.
Perhaps what stands out most about Wembanyama is his surprising skill from beyond the arc. Sinking 225 three-pointers, he has outperformed even Stephen Curry, who made 200 treys during the same early span of his career. This capability showcases how Wembanyama is redefining the expectations for modern big men, melding shooting prowess with the traditional dominance expected of centers.
With all these statistics painted, the narrative swiftly shifts to the future. At just 21, Wembanyama has already secured his place as one of the brightest stars of the NBA, captivating fans with every standout performance. This significant achievement points toward the potential record-breaking career he might pursue if he continues at this remarkable pace. The San Antonio Spurs recognize the value he brings and aim to build around him, reminiscent of how they nurtured other generational talents like Tim Duncan and David Robinson.
Wembanyama’s birthday might symbolize the passage of one phase of his life, but it also ushers in the real challenge—the sustained success he will seek to attain as part of the NBA elite. His focus remains clear: making another presence felt on the court, not just celebrating milestones off it. Victor Wembanyama may be 21, but this is only the beginning of something extraordinary, as he continues to convert every game and every opportunity on the hardwood to one gigantic step toward basketball stardom.