On Monday, San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama was announced as an All-Star starter for the first time in his young NBA career. Wembanyama joins the Western Conference starting lineup of Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder), Luka Doncic (Los Angeles Lakers) and Nikola Jokic (Denver Nuggets).
It’s a special career milestone for Wembanyama. He played in the All-Star Game the previous season, as a reserve voted by the coaches. He’s made significant progress as a player this year. The Spurs star also became the first French player to be voted as an All-Star starter.
In the past, Tony Parker, Rudy Gobert and Joakim Noah were All-Stars in the NBA. None of them were starters, though.
Wembanyama led the Spurs to a 123-110 win over the Utah Jazz on Monday with 33 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks. Following the contest, Wembanyama expressed his appreciation for being named an All-Star starter.
“I was glad. I was happy,” Wembanyama said. “I wasn’t sure my name was going to be up there, so it’s great, man. I mean, it’s just another step and I was really happy to learn that I’m the first French guy to get that. So I’m proud of this.”
Wemby on being named an All-Star starter: “I was glad. I was happy. I wasn't sure my name was going to be up there, so it's great, man. I mean, it's just another step and I was really happy to learn that I'm the first French guy to get that. So I'm proud of this.”
— Michael C. Wright (@mikecwright) January 20, 2026
This season, Victor Wembanyama is having one of the best years, as he’s on his way to his second All-Star selection. He’s appeared in 28 games, averaging 24.5 points, 10.9 rebounds and 2.6 blocks.
Victor Wembanyama is “finding balance” after making seven 3-pointers, according to coach Mitch Johnson
Victor Wembanyama made seven shots from 3, which is his new career-high. Following the game, coach Mitch Johnson told the media that the star big man is still finding balance in using his varied offense.
“It’s more on him … he has so many tools and weapons. Everybody always wants to see them all, all the time … it’s just a balance, and he’s going to continue to find that balance,” Johnson said.
The Spurs are on a roll and have won three straight games.
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