Before the season began, ESPN formed a group of more than 150 journalists, editors, producers, and analysts to select the top 100 players for the upcoming season.

The top ten were: 1. Jokic 2. Alexander 3. Doncic 4. Giannis 5. Wembanyama 6. Edwards 7. Curry 8. James 9. Durant 10. Brunson.

When this list was released, the most controversial player was undoubtedly Wembanyama.

Last season, he only played 46 games due to a deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder and then missed the rest of the season.

He averaged 24.3 points, 11 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.1 steals, and 3.8 blocks per game, with a shooting percentage of 47.6%, three-point shooting at 35.2%, and free throw accuracy of 83.6%.

Critics said: "He hasn’t even played a single NBA playoff game, how can he be top five in the league?"

"ESPN as media has to pick this way to attract attention!"

The implication being that Wembanyama doesn’t deserve to be in the league’s top five.

The list is subjective; no matter how it’s chosen, there will always be controversy. Whether a player deserves it depends on their performance.

If he can maintain his current level, Wembanyama won’t just be top five—he’ll be aiming for the NBA regular season MVP...

In the season opener against the Mavericks, he scored 40 points, grabbed 15 rebounds, and had 3 blocks, shooting 15 of 21.

In the second game versus the Pelicans, he put up 29 points, 11 rebounds, and 9 blocks—if he hadn’t fouled out, he likely would have recorded a triple-double including blocks.

Today against the Nets, he posted 31 points, 14 rebounds, 6 blocks, 4 assists, and 3 steals.

In the first three games of the new season, Wembanyama totaled 100 points, 40 rebounds, 8 assists, 5 steals, and 18 blocks, averaging 33.3 points, 13.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.7 steals, and 6 blocks per game, with a shooting percentage of 56.9%.

Statistics show that he is the first player in NBA history to score at least 100 points and block 15 shots combined in the first three games of a season.

After three games, only two teams—the Pistons and Grizzlies—have more total blocks than Wembanyama’s individual block count.

Then, the Spurs have won three straight games and currently sit first in the Western Conference.

It’s hard to imagine a player who stands 2.26 meters tall, like Yao Ming, but has a 2.44-meter wingspan, can attack and shoot, dribble like a guard, and hit mid-to-long range shots...

Davis and Flagg, two generations of American stars, along with LaVine, are already considered elite talents, but compared to Wembanyama’s epic gifts, they seem like mere “toys.”

His defense is even more impressive—ask Fat Tiger to confirm how dominant he is.

If there is any uncertainty about the MVP, assuming Wembanyama stays healthy, there’s no question about the Defensive Player of the Year.

Who in NBA history has won both Defensive Player of the Year and MVP in the same season?

Olajuwon, Jordan, and Giannis.

Winning both awards means what? True dominance on both ends of the floor.

Among current players, Wembanyama is indeed the most likely to achieve this.

Watching the games, we can clearly see the huge transformation after his offseason training, like a “Shaolin monk.”

Not only improvements in stats and physicality but also in game control and leadership.

At this age, there must be weaknesses. Besides injury management, what else does he need to improve?

Endurance.

Playing both offense and defense is exhausting.

In the game against the Nets, you could see how fatigue affected his performance on both ends.

“I definitely felt tired. The travel after the New Orleans game took longer than expected, and I didn’t sleep well. But even so, I feel much better than a year or two ago, they are not comparable. So I’m not worried about the back-to-back games tomorrow.”

He still has to fly to Toronto for back-to-back games.

This is a challenge he needs to overcome.

People say “rookies are judged after three years,” and now it’s time to show results.

Besides Wembanyama’s personal progress, why do we all feel the Spurs are competitive in the West this season?

Don’t forget, Fox hasn’t even played yet...

Their current state reminds me of the Thunder two years ago.

Not only do they have a strong leader, but also veterans and a group of talented young players, with a very reasonable salary and age structure.

Fans keep talking about Flagg, but don’t forget to check out the fellow second overall pick.

From these games, Dylan Harper is definitely high-level talent.