Victor Wembanyama just made history - again. The San Antonio Spurs phenom has been named an All-Star starter for the first time in his young career, becoming the first French player ever to earn a spot in the NBA’s All-Star starting five. That’s a milestone that even legends like Tony Parker and Rudy Gobert didn’t reach, and it’s yet another sign that Wembanyama is rapidly carving out a legacy that could make him the greatest basketball export France has ever produced.
This marks Wembanyama’s second All-Star selection, but this year hits differently. He’s not just showing up - he’s starting.
And while the final nod came down to a tie between him and Anthony Edwards in the player and coach vote, it was Wemby’s edge in fan voting that tipped the scales in his favor. That fan support?
It’s not just hype - it’s recognition of a player whose impact on both ends of the floor is undeniable.
A Rising Star, Fueled by Team Success
Wembanyama’s reaction to the news was humble but telling. For him, this isn’t just a personal accolade - it’s a reflection of where the Spurs are headed.
“Am I getting respect? Am I getting more and more respect?”
he said. “I guess so, yeah, because we're getting more and more respect as a team.
We're viewed as a dangerous team to play against now. It's just natural.”
That’s not just talk. The Spurs have turned a corner this season, holding the second-best record in the Western Conference and emerging as a legitimate threat to the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder.
And while Wembanyama is the face of the franchise, he’s made it clear from day one that he’s all about team success. That mindset - paired with his on-court dominance - is a big part of why he’s resonating with fans, coaches, and players alike.
A Comeback Story with Meaning
There’s also a deeper layer to Wembanyama’s All-Star start. Last year, his season was cut short by a serious health scare - a case of deep vein thrombosis that not only ended his rookie campaign but cast uncertainty over his future.
To come back from that and be named an All-Star starter just one year later? That’s more than symbolic.
It’s a full-circle moment.
“I was glad,” Wembanyama said. “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.”
And he should be. This is a player who’s not only rewriting expectations for what a 7-foot-4 unicorn can do, but also bringing a level of maturity and leadership that belies his age.
A Star-Studded Starting Lineup
When the All-Star Game tips off, Wembanyama will take the floor alongside some of the league’s biggest names. The Western Conference starting five features Stephen Curry, Luka Doncic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and reigning MVP Nikola Jokic. That’s elite company, and Wemby’s presence among them speaks volumes about how quickly he’s climbed the NBA ladder.
On the other side, the Eastern Conference counters with Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jaylen Brown, Jalen Brunson, Tyrese Maxey, and Cade Cunningham - a dynamic, youthful group that should make for a high-octane matchup.
But no matter how the game plays out, one thing is clear: Victor Wembanyama isn’t just making history - he’s shaping the future of the league. And this All-Star start? It’s just the beginning.