Victor Wembanyama San Antonio Spurs 2023-2024 Game Worn Icon Edition Jersey

Game Overview

This home ‘Icon Edition’ jersey was worn in the 1st half by Victor Wembanyama on January 4, 2024, when the San Antonio Spurs played the Milwaukee Bucks.

This game was on Victor Wembanyama's 20th birthday and was his first game against Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Wembanyama finished with 27 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, and 5 blocks. The Spurs lost to the Bucks, 125-121. 

Perhaps LeBron James said it best, "We’re labeling like this unicorn thing—everybody’s been a unicorn over the last few years...But he’s more like an alien—no one has seen anyone as tall as he is but as fluid and as graceful as he is on the floor.”

Wemby responded humbly, “First of all, I’m really glad he said that because I didn’t like to be called a unicorn... I like it because it’s just something not from this world. I like being called an alien, yeah. It’s really what I’m working to be—something unique and original.”

Only since LeBron James has there been this type of hype and anticipation regarding an incoming rookie. Sports Illustrated's March 2023 cover proclaimed, "Why a Parisian Prodigy Is the Best NBA Prospect in a Generation." In a short amount of time, the hype appears to be warranted, with Wemby performing incredible dunks, passes, and blocked shots during his first season in the NBA.

Diving Deeper - The Number 1 Pick

On May 16th, 2023 the San Antonio Spurs won the NBA Draft Lottery for the third time in franchise history, earning the right to select first and secure a franchise player that will shape the team’s success for years to come. A month later, on June 22, they selected Victor Wembanyama, a 19-year-old professional player from France with a height of 7’4'' and an 8-foot wingspan. His raw natural physical talents were noticeable at age 14, and in just a few years was already projected as the #1 pick in the draft. 

Wemby gained his first professional experience with Nanterre 92 at age 16, eventually signing a contract for three years with ASVEL in the EuroLeague, where his game began to rapidly develop. After his first season, he opted out of contract to sign with Metropolitans 92 of the LNB Pro A League, catching the attention of the American media while playing two exhibition games against NBA G-League ignite, where he dominated both games scoring 37 and 36 points, respectively, putting him on the NBA map. He proceeded to dominate the league in the 2022-2023 season, winning many accolades including becoming the youngest to win League MVP. 

At 7’4”, Wemby is considered the tallest in the NBA at the time of his debut at age 19, already being compared to the NBA’s top long-range shooters, ball handlers, shot blockers, and passers. The scouts describe him as offensively skilled both in the paint and on the perimeter, with impressive dribbling and ball control for a man of his size. He also rates high defensively, with the ability to pivot and move smoothly, and his significant height advantage makes him a premier shot blocker.