HOUSTON, TEXAS – JANUARY 28: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs reacts in the first half against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on January 28, 2026 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)

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Eric Jay Santos

By Eric Jay Santos

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With LeBron James and Stephen Curry at the later stages of their respective NBA careers, it will soon be time for another superstar to step up and become the face of the league. Only in his third season, San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama is a serious contender.

Wembanyama was drafted by San Antonio with the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. Since debuting in the league, the seven-foot-four center has won Rookie of the Year and become a two-time blocks leader.

This season, Wembanyama is averaging 24.4 points and 11.1 rebounds per game. In terms of team success, the Spurs currently hold the second spot in the Western Conference standings.

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Ahead of the 2026 NBA All-Star Game, insider Chris Haynes asked Wembanyama whether he has ambitions of taking on the role.

“I definitely see it happening. I think it's the natural course of things. Supply and demand. I’m here to supply.”

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 05: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs drives on Bronny James #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers during a 118-116 Los Angeles Lakers win over the San Antonio Spurs at Crypto.com Arena on November 05, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images). NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

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A Memorable Season

The 22-year-old Wembanyama continues to break records, such as being the first player to total 35 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, five blocks, and five three-pointers made in a game. He also joined Patrick Ewing and Dikembe Mutombo as the only players to record a block in 100 consecutive games.

In December, Wembanyama helped lead the Spurs to an NBA Cup championship game against the New York Knicks. San Antonio defeated the Los Angeles Lakers and Oklahoma City Thunder to advance to the final matchup.

Wembanyama is currently ranked fifth in the latest edition of the NBA’s MVP ladder, behind Shai-Gilgeous Alexander, Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic, and Cade Cunningham. A lingering knee injury, however, has him nearly ineligible for major end-of-season awards.

Heading into the second half of the season, Wembanyama will have an opportunity to establish the Spurs as serious title contenders. If this proves to be the case, it will significantly help boost the French native’s legacy.

For all the latest NBA news and rumors, head over to Newsweek Sports.

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