In the NBA, there has been a resurgence of skilled, European-born big men. First, it was Pau Gasol, then Dirk Nowitzki, and now it’s Nikola Jokić. However, I would like to draw your attention to two wonderfully talented players to watch out for the Texas triangle. Victor Wembanyama’s NBA debut has been nothing short of spectacular. The first overall pick won Rookie of the Year in the 2023-24 season. His follow-up campaign was cut short due to a diagnosed blood clot. He’s returned this season with a vengeance.
The Spurs sparked a 5-0 start, earning their first five-game winning streak since March 2019 and their best start in franchise history. Wembanyama has been breaking records, extending his streak to 90 consecutive games with a block, passing Patrick Ewing (88) for the fourth-longest streak in NBA history. He joins Ewing (145), Dikembe Mutombo (116) and Mark Eaton (94) for the streak — all three are among the top 10 in career blocks.
He’s also the third Spur ever to open a season with five straight double-doubles, joining Tim Duncan and David Robinson. He’s the first player since Bob McAdoo in 1975-76 to record at least 150 points, 70 rebounds and 20 blocks in the team’s first five games.
Looking at it all together, it’s truly impressive. He returned to play in his most recent game where the Spurs lost to a Suns team that notably lacks a pure ball handler. As the season continues, there will be a pretty even aggregate, but Wembanyama’s greatness is generational, and that cannot be denied.
Alperen Şengün, on the other hand, has been amazing in his own way, showcasing his unique skills and contributing significantly to his team. While Wembanyama’s game is more defense-oriented, Sengun’s style of play has often led to comparisons with Nikola Jokić, earning him the nickname “Jokić-Lite.” His high assist numbers are a testament to his vision and playmaking ability, which is also supported by Houston’s offensive prowess, including star players like Kevin Durant and, to a lesser degree, Jabari Smith Jr., who create versatile scoring options.
The former Turkish Super League MVP was considered one of the most productive teenagers in European basketball history. After being drafted 16th overall in 2021, he initially started his professional journey as a backup center. However, he quickly demonstrated his talent and adaptability, earning a starting role and becoming a key player for his team. Since then, he has been performing at an exceptional level, showcasing remarkable skills and consistency. His impressive development and contributions on the court earned him an All-Star bid for the first time last season, marking a significant milestone in his burgeoning career.
He’s the central figure of the Rockets’ offense, playing a pivotal role in their gameplay and strategy. His performance has seen a significant and impressive increase, with his stats taking a massive leap, now averaging 22.2 points per game, along with 8.4 rebounds, 7.6 assists and 1.8 steals per game. Additionally, his 3-point shooting has been remarkably effective, with his shooting percentage soaring to an impressive 52.9%, indicating that his offseason training and dedication have paid off substantially. Recently, he showcased his teamwork and scoring ability by combining with teammates Amen Thompson, who scored 27 points, and Kevin Durant, who contributed 21 points, to total an impressive 74 points in a single game against the Mavericks on Monday. Despite these highlights, he has also had multiple games where he fell shy of a triple-double, illustrating the ups and downs of a dynamic and evolving player.
Of course, we are still in the beginning of the NBA season, so everything is subject to change. But keep your eyes on these two as they’re the start of sweeping change in the NBA landscape.