Every once in a while the NBA gets a player who seems to defy the very laws of physics. Victor Wembanyama already looked like something drawn from the imagination of a science-fiction artist last season, but the Spurs’ Media Day just gave us another reminder that he isn’t finished evolving. Officially measured at 7’5 with shoes, Wemby has grown an inch since his rookie campaign. For most players, an inch is trivia. For Wembanyama, it reshapes the geometry of the court.
The Alien’s Frame: Still Expanding
Listed at 7’4 in his rookie year, Wembanyama’s combination of length, wingspan, and fluidity already made him a defensive nightmare and an offensive cheat code. An extra inch of height at his scale does more than add bragging rights. It means his release point on a jumper is now effectively unguardable by anyone under 7 feet. It extends his already monstrous shot-blocking radius. And it enhances the intimidation factor that has every guard second-guessing a drive to the rim. He’s entering his second NBA season with a body that is still maturing, a terrifying thought for opponents.
Rookie Season Review: More Than Hype
In his first year, Wembanyama silenced doubters by doing exactly what scouts promised: altering games at both ends. He put up numbers that rivaled the greatest rookie big men in NBA history. His averages weren’t just impressive, they were historic for a teenager playing at the highest level. He wasn’t a project. He wasn’t a curiosity. He was instantly a top-tier impact player. That performance set the stage for something even bigger: a leap into MVP conversations in just his sophomore year.
The Spurs’ Vision: Building Around the Phenomenon
San Antonio has been patient. Gregg Popovich knows how to handle generational talent he did it with Tim Duncan two decades ago. The front office has resisted the urge for reckless trades, choosing instead to surround Wembanyama with pieces that fit his timeline. His growth, both literal and figurative, means the franchise is recalibrating expectations. What was supposed to be a slow rebuild is suddenly speeding up. When you have a 7’5 unicorn, time bends differently.
MVP Talk: Is It Too Soon?
On paper, calling a second-year player an MVP candidate might feel like a hot take. But Wembanyama isn’t a normal sophomore. His rookie campaign showed he’s already a top-15 player in the league by impact metrics. If the Spurs improve their record significantly and that’s plausible with roster upgrades and internal growth his candidacy writes itself. The NBA loves a storyline, and “The Alien from France taking over Earth’s game” is the best one they’ve had in years.
The Bigger Picture: Redefining the Game
Wembanyama’s size increase is symbolic. He isn’t just growing physically. He’s expanding the boundaries of what we thought possible for basketball players. Guards his height aren’t supposed to dribble like wings. Centers aren’t supposed to shoot step-back threes. He is both the tallest player on the floor and often the most skilled. That paradox is what makes him a generational figure. His new measurement is just a headline, but it captures something larger: the NBA is living in the Wembanyama era now.
Final Thoughts
Victor Wembanyama at 7’5 is not just taller. He’s closer to inevitability. His presence warps defenses, energizes fans, and terrifies opponents. If he stays healthy, his MVP campaign could arrive not in five years, but right now. The Alien has landed and he’s still growing.
