Victor Wembanyama has only just dipped his toes into his NBA career but has already made splashes all over the news and social media. Tagged as one of the most hyped rookies in the league since LeBron James, Wembanyama has definitely proven that he’s well worth the anticipation the public had during the off-season.
His athleticism was expected from the get-go.
What many didn’t foresee, however, was just how much one person would pay just to own his game-worn jersey during his debut match.
Darren Rowell of The Action Network broke the jaw-dropping news on X, stating that the French player’s jersey was sold for a whopping $762,000 at Sotheby’s auction house.
JUST IN: A jersey Victor Wembanyama wore in his NBA debut just sold at @Sothebys for $762,000. pic.twitter.com/u8p5EGIPc1
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) November 21, 2023
Tommy Beer likewise reported the news and added that it was the largest sum of money ever paid for a rookie jersey.
Sotheby's auctioned off Victor Wembanyama's game-worn jersey from his NBA debut.
It was expected to sell for between $80k – $120k.
Bidding just closed and it sold for a record-breaking $762,000.
That's the highest amount ever paid for rookie jersey pic.twitter.com/CnAYC7Xtl2
— Tommy Beer (@TommyBeer) November 21, 2023
Although the price for the debut jersey was quite high, it would be a significant bargain if the buyer genuinely thinks Wembanyama can develop into a great player and rank among the likes of James, Bryant, and Curry. Of course, if Wembanyama stays on the track he has set for himself from the beginning, that could sell for millions in the future.
Debut Game
The jersey that was auctioned was worn by Wembanyama during the second half of the San Antonio Spurs bout against the Dallas Mavericks on October 25. Staged at the Frost Bank Center, the Spurs rookie put up 15 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists and played for 23 minutes.
The Spurs suffered a loss against the Mavs, 126-119.
Wembanyama’s Stats
The Spurs are currently struggling after 14 games into the season, only winning three matchups and plummeting to the bottom of the Western Conference rankings with the Portland Trail Blazers (record: 3-11).
Despite the Spurs’ dismal outcomes, Wembanyama continues to deliver good performances on court, leading the team in terms of scoring, rebounds, and blocks.
Wembanyama averages 18.6 points, 9.1 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 2.6 blocks.
Currently, Wembanyama is second in the ‘Rookie of the Year’ race, only behind Oklahoma City Thunder’s Chet Holmgren.
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