Victor Wembanyama Dominates Preseason and Early Rookie of the Year Odds
Updated November 5, 2026
Updated November 5, 2026
The NBA has seen its share of extraordinary big men, but Victor Wembanyama might be the most unusual prospect of them all.
At 7-foot-3, the French rookie combines the size and defensive instincts of a traditional center with the shooting, ballhandling, and mobility normally associated with guards and wings. It's a combination that made him the most anticipated NBA draft prospect since LeBron James.
Now that Wembanyama has arrived in San Antonio, the excitement surrounding him is only growing. His impressive preseason performances have reinforced expectations that he could make an immediate impact, and sportsbooks have already installed him as the early favorite to win Rookie of the Year.
With Wembanyama listed at +120 in the early market, the question is whether any other rookie can seriously challenge him.
Victor Wembanyama is a French basketball player selected first overall by the San Antonio Spurs in the 2023 NBA Draft.
Before arriving in the United States, he established himself as one of the most exciting young prospects in international basketball.
His performances in France's LNB Pro A attracted attention well beyond Europe, particularly because of the unusual range of skills he possesses for a player of his size.
Throughout NBA history, certain players have earned the description unicorn because their physical attributes and abilities defy conventional positional expectations.
Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Ralph Sampson, David Robinson, Dirk Nowitzki, and Kristaps Porzingis all brought distinctive combinations of size, athleticism, and skill to the game.
Wembanyama has drawn comparisons to several of them.
He possesses the length to protect the rim, the mobility to defend in space, and the confidence to handle the ball or attempt three-pointers off the dribble.
Those abilities make him particularly interesting in the modern NBA, where traditional centers are increasingly expected to contribute beyond the paint.
The excitement surrounding Wembanyama isn't simply about his height.
His offensive versatility is remarkable for a player with his physical dimensions.
He can attack the basket, create his own shot, handle the ball in transition, and stretch defenses with his perimeter shooting.
Defensively, his enormous wingspan and timing make him a formidable shot blocker.
He can challenge shots around the rim while also covering ground quickly enough to disrupt opponents on the perimeter.
That combination gives San Antonio a player capable of influencing the game in several different ways.
Some observers questioned the level of competition Wembanyama faced in France.
However, his performances against Scoot Henderson and the G League Ignite provided an early indication that his abilities could translate against talented American prospects.
His NBA preseason appearances have offered further encouragement.
Wembanyama entered his first NBA preseason facing enormous expectations.
Four games later, he had already produced several performances that demonstrated why the Spurs were so eager to select him with the first overall pick.
Across four preseason appearances, Wembanyama averaged:
Statistic | Per game |
|---|---|
Points | 19.3 |
Rebounds | 4.8 |
Assists | 1.5 |
Blocks | 2.8 |
Steals | 1.0 |
Field goal percentage | 51% |
Three-point percentage | 32% |
Statistics reflect the 2023 NBA preseason.
The numbers are impressive, particularly for a rookie adjusting to NBA competition.
However, they only tell part of the story.
Wembanyama's shot-blocking ability has been one of the most immediately noticeable aspects of his game.
Averaging 2.8 blocks per preseason appearance, he has demonstrated the ability to challenge shots that most defenders simply cannot reach.
His length creates problems for opponents attempting to finish near the basket.
Even when he doesn't record a block, his presence can force players to alter their shots or reconsider attacking the rim.
For San Antonio, that defensive potential could prove just as valuable as his offensive production.
Wembanyama's offensive performances have also attracted considerable attention.
Few players of his size can comfortably handle the ball in transition, create space for a jump shot, and finish above the rim.
His ability to score in several different ways makes him difficult to defend.
Opposing centers may struggle to follow him onto the perimeter, while smaller defenders face an obvious disadvantage when attempting to contest his shots.
There will undoubtedly be adjustments as Wembanyama encounters stronger defenses and more experienced opponents.
However, his preseason performances suggest that his versatility can translate to the NBA.
Perhaps the most encouraging aspect of Wembanyama's preseason is that he is still learning.
He has already demonstrated impressive scoring and defensive instincts, but his decision-making and efficiency should improve as he becomes more familiar with the league.
Adjusting to the NBA's physicality, pace, and demanding schedule will take time.
San Antonio will also need to determine how best to use his unusual combination of skills.
Those challenges are worth remembering when evaluating his Rookie of the Year prospects.
Wembanyama entered the 2023-24 NBA season as the clear early favorite to win Rookie of the Year.
At the time of the original November 3, 2023 analysis, sportsbooks had priced him at +120 to win the award.
For comparison, Paolo Banchero had been listed at approximately +200 in the early Rookie of the Year market for the previous season.
The difference illustrates just how highly Wembanyama was regarded before his rookie campaign had properly developed.
Player | Historical Rookie of the Year odds |
|---|---|
Victor Wembanyama | +120 |
These are historical odds quoted in November 2023, not current betting prices.
At +120, a successful $100 wager would produce $120 in profit and a total return of $220.
The price also corresponds to an implied probability of approximately 45.5%, before accounting for the sportsbook's margin.
That is a remarkably strong position for a rookie competing against an entire draft class.
For broader information about the award and how its futures market works, visit our NBA Rookie of the Year odds guide.
Several factors explain why Wembanyama entered the season ahead of his fellow rookies.
The Spurs selected Wembanyama first overall because they believe he can become a franchise cornerstone.
Unlike rookies joining established championship contenders, he has an opportunity to play a major role immediately.
That should give him plenty of chances to accumulate points, rebounds, and blocks.
Playing time and offensive responsibility are important considerations in the Rookie of the Year race.
Wembanyama doesn't need to rely entirely on scoring to make an impact.
His rebounding, shot blocking, and defensive versatility could help him stand out even when his shooting is inconsistent.
A rookie who contributes significantly at both ends of the court has a strong foundation for an award-winning season.
His preseason averages suggest he has the potential to produce impressive numbers in several statistical categories.
Wembanyama arrived in the NBA with extraordinary expectations.
His performances will attract considerable attention throughout the season, and his most impressive moments are likely to feature prominently in discussions about the league's emerging stars.
Public attention doesn't guarantee an individual award.
However, consistently strong performances under that spotlight could strengthen his Rookie of the Year case.
Despite Wembanyama's status as the favorite, the Rookie of the Year race is far from decided in early November.
Other first-year players have opportunities to make their own cases.
One particularly interesting contender is Chet Holmgren of the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Although Holmgren was selected in the 2022 NBA Draft, he missed the entire 2022-23 season through injury and remains eligible for the 2023-24 Rookie of the Year award.
Like Wembanyama, Holmgren combines unusual length with perimeter skills and impressive defensive instincts.
His role on a competitive Oklahoma City team could make him a serious challenger.
Scoot Henderson is another notable name in the rookie class.
The Portland Trail Blazers guard entered the league with considerable expectations after his time with the G League Ignite.
His development as a playmaker and scorer will be worth following throughout the season.
The award race will ultimately depend on consistency, availability, and production over the full regular season.
Wembanyama's early performances have been impressive, but several factors could influence the Rookie of the Year race.
Health and availability: The NBA regular season is long and physically demanding. Missing significant time could affect his chances, particularly if another rookie plays consistently throughout the year.
Adjusting to NBA defenses: Opponents will study Wembanyama's tendencies and develop strategies to limit his effectiveness. His ability to adjust will be important.
Competition from other rookies: Holmgren, Henderson, and other first-year players have opportunities to produce strong seasons of their own.
Consistency: A handful of outstanding performances can generate excitement, but Rookie of the Year is awarded based on the broader regular-season body of work.
These uncertainties don't diminish Wembanyama's potential. They simply demonstrate why an early favorite isn't guaranteed to win.
Wembanyama's preseason performances have done little to slow the enormous expectations surrounding his arrival in the NBA.
He has already demonstrated the unusual combination of scoring, ballhandling, and defensive ability that made him such a highly regarded prospect.
His 19.3 points and 2.8 blocks per preseason game offer an encouraging indication of the impact he could make for San Antonio.
The Spurs are also positioned to give him a significant role throughout his rookie campaign.
However, the Rookie of the Year race will involve more than a strong preseason and an impressive opening stretch.
Consistency, health, and competition from players such as Chet Holmgren will all matter.
→ Our Take: Wembanyama deserves his position as the early Rookie of the Year favorite. His unique abilities and expected role with San Antonio give him an excellent opportunity to produce a standout rookie season. At the historical +120 price, however, the market already reflects considerable confidence in his chances. He remains our leading candidate, but the award is far from settled.
For more coverage throughout the season, follow our NBA analysis and NBA betting picks.
Historical article: This analysis reflects information available on November 3, 2023. Statistics, award expectations, and betting odds are preserved in their original historical context.
Updated November 5, 2026
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