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Many people felt San Antonio Spurs star center Victor Wembanyama would take another step forward in his development this season. But not as many people felt he would start the season with as big of a bang as he has. In the Spurs’ regular-season opener against the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday, he made jaws drop to the ground by going for 40 points on 15-of-21 shooting, many of which came on scintillating plays. He then followed that performance up with 29 points on Friday against the New Orleans Pelicans while helping San Antonio win both games. This could become Wembanyama’s league sooner than initially anticipated. Hall of Famer Camelo Anthony, who was a great scorer in his own right during his career, said that the 21-year-old will win the league MVP award this season. “I predict he’s the MVP this year,” Anthony said. “I say that because every category that there is, he can lead this season. “… We’ve never seen (a player like) Wemby. That’s MVP. … I went to all the Infinity Stones. I went to Hakeem. I went to Garnett. … We ain’t seen the alien, champ.” Anthony praised the big man’s offseason regimen, which included working with monks at the Shaolin Temple in China and going through kung fu training. He reportedly gained a good deal of weight and strength, and he’s now listed at 7-foot-4, although some swear he’s actually 7-foot-5 — at least. Read more: Brian Windhorst Makes Bold Claim About Victor Wembanyama’s Height NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – OCTOBER 24: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs looks to drive the ball around Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center on October 24, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) During his first two seasons, the French native lived off of outside shots and attempted 6.8 3-pointers a game. But in his first two games of this season, he has taken a modest 3-point attempts, and he has taken the vast majority of his shots from inside the free throw line extended. He is starting to use his insane length and size to his advantage, and that is bad news for the rest of the NBA. It is scary to think how much better he can get in just a couple of years when he will still be a few years away from merely entering the prime of his career. Read more: Kendrick Perkins Makes Wild Statement on Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama Contract The Spurs likely won’t win enough games for Wembanyama to get any real MVP consideration this season. They’re largely a young team and are relying a lot on young prospects such as Stephon Castle, who was last year’s MVP, rookie Dylan Harper and forward Julian Champagnie. But they’re coming up fast, and the rest of the basketball world better be ready and prepared to deal with them once they cross the threshold of anything that resembles maturity. For more on the Spurs and general NBA news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
