San Antonio center Victor Wembanyama has made NBA history by becoming the first rookie to be named to the league’s All-Defensive First Team. The league announced the All-Defensive teams on Tuesday, with Wembanyama appearing on 98 out of 99 ballots, marking a significant achievement in his debut season.
Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert of the Minnesota Timberwolves headlined the team and was the only unanimous selection. Joining Gobert and Wembanyama on the first team were Miami’s Bam Adebayo, New Orleans’ Herb Jones, and the Los Angeles Lakers’ Anthony Davis.
“Coming into this league, obviously he had high expectations because he’s 7-3 and shooting step-back 3s. I think a lot of people paid attention more to that than what he actually did on the defensive end,” Adebayo said of Wembanyama. “So, for him to get first-team, first come around, it’s obviously a great accolade for him.”
The second-team All-Defense selections included Chicago’s Alex Caruso, Orlando’s Jalen Suggs, Minnesota’s Jaden McDaniels, and Boston teammates Derrick White and Jrue Holiday.
This accolade marks Gobert’s seventh All-Defense selection, all of which have been on the first team. Davis now has five All-Defense selections, including three on the first team. Adebayo has also been recognized five times, but this is his first first-team nod. For Herb Jones, this is his debut on the All-Defensive team.
“I feel it’s a long time coming, obviously,” Adebayo said regarding his first first-team selection. “Just staying in this moment, enjoying it, blessed to be able to be one of the ones selected.”
Wembanyama joins an elite group of rookies who have made the All-Defensive team, though he is the first to be named to the first team. The previous five rookies who made the All-Defensive team were all second-team selections: Tim Duncan (1998), David Robinson (1990), Manute Bol (1986), Hakeem Olajuwon (1985), and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (1970).
The All-NBA team will be announced on Wednesday. If Wembanyama is selected, he would be the first rookie to earn that honour since Tim Duncan 26 years ago. This potential double accolade would further cement Wembanyama’s remarkable debut season and his defensive prowess in the league.
Wembanyama’s historic achievement has not only highlighted his defensive skills but also set a new standard for future rookies. His ability to dominate defensively in his first season speaks volumes about his talent and potential impact on the league.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Wembanyama to see if he can add more accolades to his name and continue to elevate his game. His early success has certainly set the stage for what promises to be an extraordinary career in the NBA.
