In his highly anticipated debut for the Dallas Mavericks, Klay Thompson showcased his shooting prowess. Thompson set a franchise record for most 3-pointers in a Mavericks debut by hitting 6-of-10 from beyond the arc. Thompson’s 22-point performance helped Dallas secure a 120-109 season-opening victory over the San Antonio Spurs, marking a strong start for the newly formed trio of Thompson, Luka Dončić, and Kyrie Irving.
Dallas, coming off a Western Conference Finals run, hopes Thompson’s sharpshooting can be the missing piece for an NBA title push. Thompson recorded seven rebounds and three steals, combining with Dončić (28 points, 10 rebounds, 8 assists) and Irving (15 points, 2 assists, 2 steals) for a total of 65 points. “Wow. Just incredible … I’m not satisfied, but I’m happy for what we did tonight,” Thompson remarked post-game.
Thompson wasted no time making his mark, hitting his first bucket and 3-pointer early, and helped spark a decisive 21-7 run in the fourth quarter that sealed the win. Meanwhile, Chris Paul, also making his debut with a new team, led the Spurs with eight assists and three points.
For San Antonio, rookie Victor Wembanyama contributed 17 points, nine rebounds, and a block, while Jeremy Sochan and Julian Champagnie topped the Spurs’ scoring with 18 points apiece. Highlights of the game included a dazzling no-look assist from Dončić followed by Thompson’s confident 3-pointer, reflecting the potential chemistry of this Dallas lineup as they set their sights on an NBA title.
Victor Wembanyama finally got the Spurs back in the win column with a dominant performance over the Thunder. Wembanyama had 28 points, 13 assists, and 5 blocks as San Antonio snapped a five-game losing streak. Furthermore, the win came against Chet Holgren, widely seen as Wembanyama’s closest rival for the Rookie of the Year award. Holgrem had a 23/7/5 night in the double-digit loss to San Antonio. Holgren was originally drafted in 2022. However, he missed the entire 2022-23 season due to injury. Per the NBA rules, this makes the 2023-24 season his rookie year.
“I missed this sh-t,” Wembanyama said after the game, referring to his frustrations about the Spurs’ inability to win this season. Earlier in the week, after dropping a historic 5×5 night, Wembanyama had dismissed comparisons to Michael Jordan. “Did he do it in a win?” Wembanyama had asked, implying he cared more about wins on the board than personal accomplishments. Furthermore, Wembanyama was widely praised for his mentality by various sources around the NBA. The Spurs next host the Pacers on Sunday.
However, Wembanyama has been making history throughout his rookie year. Back in January, Wembanyama had his first professional triple-double, putting up 16/12/10 against the ailing Detroit Pistons. Furthermore, the 21 minutes and 2 seconds Wembanyama needed to complete the feat made it the second-fastest triple-double of the shot clock era. The 22-point win snapped a five-game losing streak for the Spurs and moved them to 6-30 on the season. Meanwhile, the Pistons fell to 3-35 and extended their then-losing streak to six games.
“Doing it in a win is everything, of course. I didn’t know it was the second fastest in NBA history. It matters to me. I’m not the type to talk for nothing. This is the kind of statement we want to make as a team, and this is type of statement I want to make as a player,” Wembanyama said after the game.
With the NBA constantly spotlighting emerging talents, one name that has been garnering significant attention is Victor Wembanyama. As of 2024, Wembanyama has secured a notable net worth of $10 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. This towering figure, both literally and figuratively, has become a household name in basketball circles. Let’s delve deeper into his journey, NBA career, and other ventures that have contributed to his impressive net worth.
ATHENS, GREECE – OCTOBER 29: Victor Wembanyama, #1 of LDLC Asvel Villeurbanne competes with Okaro White, #15 of Panathinaikos Opap Athens during the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season Round 7 match between Panathinaikos OPAP Athens and LDLC Asvel Villeurbanne at OAKA on October 29, 2021 in Athens, Greece. (Photo by Panagiotis Moschandreou/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images)
Victor Wembanyama’s ascent to the upper echelons of basketball stardom has been nothing short of remarkable. Born on January 4, 2004, in France, Wembanyama exhibited an exceptional talent for basketball from a young age. Standing at an astonishing 7 feet 2 inches tall, his towering presence on the court immediately caught the eye of scouts and fans alike.
Wembanyama’s journey to the NBA was marked by dedication, perseverance, and unparalleled skill. After honing his craft in various youth leagues and international competitions, he caught the attention of NBA scouts, leading to his selection by the San Antonio Spurs in the 2023 NBA Draft. Since then, he has quickly made his mark in the league, showcasing his versatility, agility, and defensive prowess on the court.
NBA Career & Achievements
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – NOVEMBER 02: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs handles the ball against Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns during the second half of the NBA game at Footprint Center on November 02, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Spurs defeated the Suns 132-121. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Upon joining the San Antonio Spurs, Victor Wembanyama wasted no time in making his presence felt. His remarkable defensive abilities, shot-blocking prowess, and impressive court vision have earned him widespread acclaim from fans, teammates, and basketball pundits alike. Wembanyama’s impact on both ends of the floor has been instrumental in the Spurs’ quest for success in the NBA.
In addition to his on-court achievements, Wembanyama has also become a prominent figure off the court. His charisma, humility, and commitment to community initiatives have endeared him to fans worldwide. Beyond basketball, Wembanyama has leveraged his platform to advocate for social causes and charitable endeavors, further cementing his status as a role model both on and off the court.
SAN ANTONIO, TX – OCTOBER 18: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs is introduced before the game against the Houston Rockets in a pre-season NBA game at Frost Bank Center on October 18, 2023 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)
While Wembanyama’s NBA career serves as the cornerstone of his net worth, his financial portfolio extends beyond the basketball court. Like many NBA stars, Wembanyama has capitalized on his fame and popularity through lucrative endorsement deals and sponsorship agreements. His towering stature and captivating playing style have made him a sought-after brand ambassador for various companies and products.
Moreover, Wembanyama has demonstrated a keen interest in diversifying his investments and exploring entrepreneurial ventures outside of basketball. Whether it’s investing in real estate, launching his own fashion line, or endorsing tech startups, Wembanyama has displayed a shrewd business acumen that complements his athletic prowess on the court.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Victor Wembanyama’s net worth of $10 million in 2024 is a testament to his remarkable journey from budding basketball prodigy to NBA star. Through hard work, determination, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, Wembanyama has carved out a place for himself among the elite ranks of professional basketball. As he continues to soar to greater heights, both on and off the court, the sky’s the limit for this towering figure in the world of basketball.
Victor Wembanyama had his first profession al triple-double Wednesday night, putting 16/12/10 against the ailing Detroit Pistons. Furthermore, the 21 minutes and 2 seconds Wembanyama needed to complete the feat made it the second-fastest triple-double of the shot clock era. The 22-point win snapped a five-game losing streak for the Spurs and moved them to 6-30 on the season. Meanwhile, the Pistons fell to 3-35 and extended their current losing streak to six games.
“Doing it in a win is everything, of course. I didn’t know it was the second fastest in NBA history. It matters to me. I’m not the type to talk for nothing. This is the kind of statement we want to make as a team, and this is type of statement I want to make as a player,” Wembanyama said after the game.
First career triple-double for Victor Wembanyama with 16 points, 12 rebounds, 10 assists in just 21 minutes in San Antonio’s win over Detroit. pic.twitter.com/LaXrCTrh3m
As Wembanyana’s magical rookie season continues, more and more players around the league are starting to take notice of his potential. Giannis Antetokounmpo had high praise for Victor Wembanyama following his first game against the rookie French phenom. “He’s special. He’s going to be an extremely good player. He plays the right way. He plays to win. I’ve never seen anything like him,” Giannis said after the Bucks’ 125-121 win. After Wembanyama blocked Giannis at the rim in the final minute of the game, the French star was able to set up a potential game-tying three. However, Tre Jones’ shot from the corner fell short. Wembanyama finished the game with 27 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 blocks.
As for Wembanyama himself, the praise from Giannis held extra weight as the Greek star was one of the players he watched the most growing up. “It’s always extra motivation, and I know I’m a competitor. So I want to go at everyone and be the bad guy on the court. So it was a great matchup. I’m trying to gain knowledge from as many great players as there are. Giannis is one of the players I’ve watched the most. The way he uses his body, he makes 100% of what he can do with his body. That’s something I look up to and I still look up to. It’s a player I know pretty well,” Wembanyama said.
Victor Wembanyama is as good as advertised. During a 130-108 win over the Detroit Pistons, Wembanyama notched his first triple-double.
The stat line for the 7-foot-3 French wonder was 16 points, 12 rebounds, and ten assists. The triple-double was registered in just 21 minutes of game time.
“Doing it in a win is everything, of course,” said Wembanyama. “I didn’t know it was the second fastest in NBA history. It matters to me. I’m not the type to talk for nothing. This is the kind of statement we want to make as a team, and this is type of statement I want to make as a player.”
The fastest was completed by Russell Westbrook in 2014 in a game against the Philadelphia 76ers.
You can see Wemby’s post-game press conference below.
In a birthday celebration to remember, Victor Wembanyama showcased his prowess on the court with an outstanding performance, amassing 27 points, nine rebounds, and five blocks. Despite his stellar efforts, the festivities took an unexpected turn as his team came close to upsetting the Milwaukee Bucks.
The game reached a thrilling climax, with Milwaukee closing on a 13-4 run in the final 3:30 to secure a narrow four-point victory, avoiding their first three-game losing streak since December 2022.
Giannis Antetokounmpo stole the spotlight with an incredible display, recording 44 points, 14 boards, and seven assists. The duel between Antetokounmpo and Wembanyama left an indelible mark, prompting Khris Middleton to express, “To see those two guys go at it, I don’t think the league has ever seen anything like that.”
Contributions from Damian Lillard, who added 25 points and ten assists for Milwaukee, were crucial. Meanwhile, Devin Vassell’s remarkable performance with a team-high 34 points and six 3-pointers for San Antonio added to the intensity of this captivating matchup.
There were highlights galore across the game, including a wild finish that had a strong block by Wemby.
Victor Wembanyama produced the first 30/5/5/5 game by a teenager in the NBA in a monster night for the Spurs. The French superstar rookie finished the night with 30 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 7 blocks as San Antonio snapped a five-game skid. Furthermore, Wembanyama’s star night game against fellow high-flying prospect, Scoot Henderson. “It’s always important to me to play against great players, especially players my age,” Wembanyama said after the game. “His length alone is just weird, it’s like he hovers over you. You can’t really feel him or bump him off because of his length,” Henderson said of playing against Wembanyama.
The win, just San Antonio’s fifth of the season, showed what a team built around Wembanyama was capable of. “We were never stopping the ball, always moving and sharing it. The defense, we were all locked in on the shifts. We had a lot of deflections, especially in the first half. It’s details, but when you get it all together, this is what it looks like,” Wembanyama said.
Wembanyama is averaging 18.8 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 3.2 blocks a game in a stellar start to his NBA career. Despite the Spurs’ struggles, the hype on Wembanyama remains high. The jersey from his NBA debut has sold for $762K, nearly eight times the estimated price. The auction, handled by Sotheby’s, opened last week and closed yesterday with an anonymous bidder coming away with the one-of-a-kind item. Of course, the price tag is nowhere close to the record set by Michael Jordan‘s 1998 Finals jersey ($10.091M). However, it’s an amazing price for the jersey of a player less than 20 games into his NBA career. Furthermore, it did set a new record for the sale of an NBA rookie debut jersey. The all-time record for a full rookie uniform was set in 2021 with the sale of Kobe’s rookie kit.
A major contributing factor to the auction, which reportedly drew 62 bids alone, is how Wembanyama has gone from strength to strength over the course of his young career. Of course, Wembanyama is no ordinary rookie. The Frenchman has been professionally in the well-regarded French league since 2019. While many European players come to the NBA with prior professional experience, few have that experience at the same level or hype as Wembanyama. By comparison, two-time MVP Nikola Jokic, who played three years in Serbia before the NBA, was a mid-second-round pick in 2014.
Gregg Popovich actively defended his former star Kawhi Leonard when Spurs fans booed the Clipper during a free throw attempt. Popovich addressed the crowd via a microphone on the scorer’s table towards the end of the second quarter. “Excuse me for a second. Can we stop all the booing and let these guys play? Have a little class. That’s not who we are. Knock off the booing,” the veteran coach said to the crowd. After the game, Popovich explained his actions as not wanting to “poke the bear”. “I think anybody that knows anything about sports — you don’t poke the bear,” Popovich said.
However, the boos only increased after Popovich’s address. Despite this, Leonard put up a game-high 26 points, 18 of which came after Popovich’s comments. Leonard has long been booed due to his less-than-amicable exit from San Antonio in 2018. “If I don’t have a Spurs jersey on, they’re probably going to boo me the rest of my career. But I mean it is what it is. Like I said, they’re one of the best fans in the league and they’re very competitive. Once I step out on this basketball court out here, they show that they’re going for the other side. When I’m on the streets or going into restaurants, they show love. So it is what it is,” Leonard said after the game.
The 109-102 result over the Spurs, in which Victor Wembanyama put up a 22-point double-double, was the Clippers’ third consecutive win. That streak snapped a dismal 0-6 run that began James Harden’s tenure in LA. Granted, all three wins have come against lottery teams in the Rockets and Spurs. However, it’s a much-needed bounce-back that has the Clippers one game under .500 and two games back in their division.
Despite this, the real test looms for the Clippers. They end November with games against New Orleans, Dallas, Denver, Sacramento, and Golden State. That’s a mix of strong playoff contenders and seasoned rosters. As mentioned, it will be the first major test of whether the Clippers’ new-look roster has finally found its footing. Things do look promising. Despite his “I am a system” comments, Harden has settled into a facilitator role similar to the one he held in Philly. He currently leads the Clippers in assists, while Paul George and Leonard remain the primary scoring options.
Victor Wembanyama scored a career-high 38 points in the fifth game of his rookie season as the Spurs improved to 3-2 at the expense of the Suns. It was the second time this week that San Antonio has gotten the better of Phoenix. 10 of Wembanyama’s points came in the final 4:15 of the game, outscoring the entire Suns roster over that same period. Furthermore, the game marked Wembanyama’s second NBA double-double as he also notched 10 rebounds in the 132-121 win. Additionally, the French rookie knew exactly what to say when asked if he felt he was a clutch player. “It’s a requirement if we’re being ambitious,” he told reporters.
However, Wemby also showed some astute insight as he mulled the win. “Every game is different. We got our third win. Every game we try to find the spots that we need to hurt them. Today, it might have been in this way. Tomorrow, it will be someone else. That is how great teams work. If we want to be great, we need to play with everyone,” he explained. His performance comes in as the third-best performance by a rookie in history. David Robinson holds the top two spots, with 40 and 39-point performances in his 1990 rookie season.
The Spurs were also 3-2 after five games to open last season. However, their journey to the #1 pick was set in motion after a 1-14 November. But things feel different this time around – they come off back-to-back to wins against a conference contender and have one of the most exciting rookies in league history. For many Spurs fans, the benchmark will be 56 wins. That was what the team achieved in the rookie seasons of their last two #1 picks – David Robinson and Tim Duncan.
Next up on the schedule is a trip to Toronto this weekend. After all, the Spurs welcome Indiana and the Knicks to San Antonio. However, Devin Booker is already forward to the Spurs-Suns rematch in March. “He’s an unbelievable talent. Just trying to figure out what he is because we have never seen him before. We got him early in the season, and hopefully next time that we play him we can make some adjustments to make it tougher on him. But he has an advantage being 7-4 and being able to shoot over everybody. Just finding different ways to make it tough on him,” Booker said.
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