Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama: ‘I Want to Keep the Momentum Going’ After Winning NBA ROY

Jack MurrayMay 12, 2024

AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post

Victor Wembanyama has his mind set on the future, despite a strong rookie season.

The San Antonio Spurs center won the Rookie of the Year Award for his efforts in 2023-24 and received the award Saturday in a ceremony as Scobee Planetarium in San Antonio.

During his acceptance speech, he expressed his gratitude for the honor and said that he wants to build off the momentum and grow with the fanbase and organization.

“I want to keep the momentum going and let everybody know they are a part of the family and a part of the story,” Wembanyama said, per Andrew Lopez of ESPN. “I believe in the fans, my teammates, the staff. I believe in them as much as I think they believe in me.”

He also noted that “the future is going to be fun” with the franchise, despite the recent struggles.

San Antonio Spurs @spurs𝙢𝙚𝙧𝙘𝙞 𝙎𝙖𝙣 𝘼𝙣𝙩𝙤𝙣𝙞𝙤
…the future is going to be fun 🖤

Written & narrated by Victor Wembanyama pic.twitter.com/mwyJVUebzV

Wembanyama averaged 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 3.6 blocks in 71 games as a rookie. In addition to his rookie of the year honor, he was also the league’s block champion.

Still, San Antonio was unable to capitalize on the strong play as it went 22-60 and finished 14th in the Western Conference. This was the fifth consecutive year the team has missed the postseason, which is by far the longest playoff drought the franchise has ever endured.

Still, Wembanyama and a rebuilding core should provide hope to a city used to excellence from the team, and his excited attitude should be a positive sign for those fans.