NBA: Victor Wembanyama starts for the All-Star Game, historic first for a Frenchman

New brilliant distinction for Victor Wembanyama. The Frenchman was selected this Monday to participate in his second All-Star Game, scheduled for February 15 in Los Angeles. The 22-year-old interior of the San Antonio Spurs was this time chosen for a “starting” place, among the five best players in the Western Conference.

Already selected last year but among the replacements, the silver medalist at the Paris Olympic Games is once again proving his progress this season. Despite several physical problems that left him sidelined at the end of last season and during a few games this season, “Wemby” displays startling statistics that convinced fans, players and journalists to offer him a starting place during this all-star game.

His team is not yet fully known. However, nine other players have already been selected, with no less than eight MVP trophies in total: Luka Doncic (Los Angeles Lakers), Nikola Jokic (Denver Nuggets), Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder), Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks), Jalen Brunson (New York Knicks), Tyrese Maxey (Philadelphia 76ers), Cade Cunningham (Detroit Pistons) and Jaylen Brown (Boston Celtics).

For Victor Wembanyama, this selection in the starting team is a tremendous honor. Because neither Tony Parker, selected six times, nor Rudy Gobert (3x), nor Joakim Noah (2x) have had the honor of a place in the major five of an All-Star Game. At 22 years old and in his third season in the NBA, the former Metropolitans 92 player is making his mark in the history of French basketball.

This year, the All-Star Game format has been slightly modified. Three teams of eight players will be formed to organize a mini-tournament. One of them will be made up of international basketball players, with at least Victor Wembanyama, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luka Doncic and Nikola Jokic. A hell of a team.