NBA Rookie Ladder: Victor Wembanyama takes early lead in race between unicorns

NBA Detroit Pistons Ausar Thompson (Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports)
NBA Detroit Pistons Ausar Thompson (Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports) /
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Victor Wembanyama
San Antonio Spurs Victor Wembanyama (Rob Ferguson-USA TODAY Sports) /

1. Victor Wembanyama, C, San Antonio Spurs

In what should come as a surprise to no one, the No. 1 overall pick from the 2023 NBA Draft has undoubtedly been the most impressive rookie so far this season. In six games so far, Victor Wembanyama is averaging 21 points, eight rebounds, and nearly three blocks per game on 49 percent shooting from the field and 31 percent shooting from 3-point range. And that includes a huge 38-point outburst against the Phoenix Suns in what was an early-season marquee win for the San Antonio Spurs.

Wemby has shown a little of it all. He’s proven that he has the ability to be a foundational offensive player and a historic defender. He has generational talent written all over him and has completely changed the outlook for the Spurs. At 3-3 through the first six games, with how good Wemby and the rest of the team have looked, it’s not that outlandish to suggest that the Spurs could be a Play-In Tournament team this season in the Western Conference.

Next. NBA Power Rankings: Celtics living up to hype; 76ers are better without Harden?. dark

For now, Wemby leads the NBA Rookie Ladder. But a lot can change between now and the end of the season.