As the regular season draws to a close, the debate about the Rookie of the Year seems to have faded away, and Wembanyama has put the suspense out of it with a strong performance. As a once-in-a-century talent, Popovich also attaches great importance to Wemban, which has to be reminiscent of the No. 21 rookie who led the Spurs to glory. is also the top pick in Bobo's bad draft, Duncan and Wemban, who has a stronger rookie season?
Tim Duncan was drafted by the San Antonio Spurs in the 1997 NBA Draft. Duncan played in 82 games in his rookie season, averaging 21.1 points, 11.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 2.5 blocks per game, leading the Spurs to a 56-26 record, up from 20 wins last season to 56 wins. Duncan was unabashedly named NBA Rookie of the Year, named to the All-Star First Team, All-Defensive Second Team and All-Star Game, and finished fifth on the season MVP list. In the playoffs that year, Duncan led the team to the second round, but unfortunately he was injured in the second game, which led to the Spurs being eliminated by the Jazz.
Wembanyama was drafted by the San Antonio Spurs in the 2003 NBA Draft. So far this season, Wemban has played 29.5 minutes, averaging 21.3 points, 10.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 3.6 blocks per game. However, the Spurs' record is a bit embarrassing, with only 19 wins and 59 losses, which is at the bottom of the West. The All-Defensive Team is unlikely, but the All-Defensive Team is still very promising.
Duncan's first season was not at all like a rookie and was already a top player in the league. One set, two defensive teams, and all-stars are things that Wenban can't do, even if it's data, Wenban and Duncan don't have any advantage, after all, the current league has a lot of data. The team's record was completely destroyed by Duncan, whether it was data, honors, or records, Wenban could not compare to Duncan.
Of course, this comparison is somewhat unfair to Wenban, that is, he entered the league at the age of 19, and Duncan was 21 years old in his first season. Duncan is clearly more age-oriented and mature. In terms of record, Duncan's team has a big brother like Robinson, and Wenban also suffers from this. But Duncan is one of my greatest rookies and the greatest power forward, and Wembanyama has a hard time reaching his heights. Wemban may be able to start his own era in the future when his Parker and Ginobili can also start their own era.