Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama wins NBA honor despite falling short of the 65-game requirement

The San Antonio Spurs were dealt a significant blow in late February after star basketball prodigy Victor Wembanyama was ruled out for the remainder of the ongoing 2024–25 National Basketball Association (NBA) season after being diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder.

It was not only a major setback for the Spurs but also for the youngster, considering he made an immediate impact in the league. He was named an All-Star for the first time this season and was the favorite to win the Defensive Player of the Year award—an honor he was ultimately ineligible for, as he failed to meet the minimum requirement of 65 games played.

Despite not meeting the minimum game threshold set by the NBA, Wembanyama received an award from Spurs management to honor him for leading the NBA in blocked shots.

Congratulations, @wemby 🏆

In just 46 games, Victor led the NBA in blocks this season 👏 pic.twitter.com/kWre3JqxeZ

— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) May 30, 2025

“We have a rule here that you have to play 46 games to get trophies handed out to you. So, you made it,” Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson stated while presenting the trophy to the 21-year-old.

Before being ruled out with deep vein thrombosis, Wembanyama was on fire, averaging 24.3 points, 11 rebounds, and a league-leading 3.8 blocks per game, while shooting 47 percent from the field in 46 regular-season appearances. The French prodigy recorded a total of 176 blocks—28 more than second-placed Brook Lopez of the Milwaukee Bucks.

Players with the most blocks in the 2024–25 NBA season:

• Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio Spurs) – 176 blocks 
• Brook Lopez (Milwaukee Bucks) – 148 blocks 
• Myles Turner (Indiana Pacers) – 144 blocks 
• Walker Kessler (Utah Jazz) – 138 blocks 
• Evan Mobley (Cleveland Cavaliers) – 113 blocks 

Wembanyama is currently on track to return to full fitness in time for the preseason, with Spurs management confident that he will be fully recovered by the time training camp begins.

The Spurs had a disappointing 2024–25 season, finishing 13th in the Western Conference standings with a 34–48 win-loss record.

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