Victor Wembanyama’s rookie season with the San Antonio Spurs was nothing short of extraordinary. The highly anticipated rookie lived up to the hype, leading the league in blocks, securing a second-place finish in Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) voting, earning a spot on the All-Defensive First Team—an unprecedented achievement for a rookie—and claiming the Rookie of the Year title by a wide margin.
As Wembanyama enters his second year, fans’ expectations are through the roof, anticipating even greater performances. According to an ESPN poll, Wembanyama is the overwhelming favorite to win DPOY for the 2024-25 season. Given his status as the league’s top all-around defender, it’s no surprise that he’s expected to clinch the award. He might even receive some MVP votes, though the Spurs’ projected record could keep him from seriously contending for the MVP title.
Interestingly, Wembanyama is also leading the race for the Most Improved Player (MIP) award, with 14% of ESPN’s voters predicting him as the top contender. While a significant leap from year one to year two is expected, the MIP award has traditionally gone to older players making unexpected strides in their careers.
The transition from NBA rookie to sophomore is often substantial, particularly for young talents like Wembanyama. However, with his exceptional skill set, awarding him MIP could be seen as undermining the true essence of the award, which typically honors a player who has made surprising and unexpected improvements.
Wembanyama is projected to average around 25 points, 13 rebounds, five assists, and four blocks next season—numbers that are historic by any measure. While Wembanyama’s talent is undeniable, the MIP award might be better suited for a player who rises from the bench to become a key starter, showcasing unexpected growth in their game.
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