Why the 2023 NBA Rookie of the Year Might Win an MVP Award Sooner Than Expected
It’s hard to believe, but this is already year three for Victor Wembanyama, and he continues to astonish fans and analysts alike. From the very beginning, expectations were sky-high for the Spurs’ young phenom, but he has already begun to add layers to his game that make him look like a seasoned superstar. Wemby isn’t just showing flashes of potential anymore; he’s demonstrating a level of consistency, skill, and versatility that could make him an MVP candidate much sooner than anyone predicted. With each game, it becomes clearer that the ‘alien’ nickname isn’t just hype; it’s a reflection of his otherworldly abilities on the basketball court. Fans and opponents alike are watching a player who is rapidly redefining what a modern big man can do. The way he moves, shoots, and defends at such a young age makes it feel like he has been in the league for much longer than three seasons.
The first game of the season on opening night in Dallas was a perfect illustration of Wembanyama’s evolution. He dropped 41 points against a front line featuring Anthony Davis and Derrick Lively, showing he could dominate even while facing elite competition. He didn’t just put up points; he attacked the basket with strength and balance, finishing through contact while maintaining the poise to shoot over anyone. His performance wasn’t just impressive statistically; it sent a message to the league that he is capable of impacting games at an elite level on both ends of the floor. That night served as a microcosm of what Wembanyama has been building toward since his rookie season: a player who can control the game like few others. He demonstrated scoring versatility, rebounding tenacity, and defensive presence all in a single game, proving he is more than just a high-flying highlight reel.
What makes Wemby so special is that he truly lives up to his ‘alien’ nickname. He’s not just tall or skilled; he moves in ways that seem impossible for a human of his size. This season, he looks like he has added more strength and balance, allowing him to finish through contact, dominate the glass, and still shoot over anyone who dares to contest him. His dribbling has improved, his defensive awareness has expanded, and he now looks like a complete player on both ends of the floor. If he can sustain this level of play, there’s no reason why he can’t propel the Spurs to a top seed in the Western Conference, a feat that would significantly strengthen his MVP case. Opponents now have to plan for him in multiple ways, which speaks to the evolving dominance he brings to the court every night.
Ultimately, Wembanyama’s trajectory suggests that an MVP award could come sooner than expected. With his versatility, strength, and skill set, he has all the tools to dominate games in ways few players can. If the Spurs continue to climb the standings and he maintains his performance on both ends of the court, voters will have a hard time ignoring his impact on the league. What was once a distant prediction now feels increasingly realistic: Victor Wembanyama could claim MVP honors sooner than anyone would have imagined, cementing his place among the elite in the NBA. This is a young star whose development is not just rapid, it’s historic. If he continues on this trajectory, he could redefine the expectations for young big men in the league for years to come.
