Bold claim: Victor Wembanyama is quietly shaping the future of basketball while quietly stacking up recognition off the court. If there was any doubt about the Spurs striking gold with the 2023 No. 1 pick, this should settle it. In his third season with San Antonio, the 21-year-old phenom has earned a spot on Forbes’ 2026 30 Under 30 list.
Forbes’ profile notes that Wembanyama was already viewed as a once-in-a-generation talent when he left the 2023 draft as the top pick. It highlights his Rookie of the Year honors, his runner-up finish for Defensive Player of the Year in 2024, and his All-Star selection in his second season before a shoulder-related deep vein thrombosis briefly sidelined him.
The piece also touches on his broader pursuits beyond the court, including his investment in Barcode sports drinks and his leadership on a Spurs project to create a European-style fan seating section at the home arena.
Only one other NBA star made the 2026 roster: reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder. The list also features athletes connected to Texas teams, such as Texas Tech pitcher NiJaree Canady and WNBA guard Paige Bueckers of the Dallas Wings. Even Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, a Houston native, is included.
Meanwhile, Wembanyama remains out with a left calf strain from the November 14 game against the Golden State Warriors. He will miss a seventh straight game tonight as San Antonio faces the Memphis Grizzlies, and fans are watching closely to see if he’ll be ready for the NBA Cup quarterfinal against the Los Angeles Lakers on December 10.
With the spotlight swelling this December, Wembanyama seems to be checking off a healthy portion of Santa’s list—spurring optimism that a return to the court is imminent and that the holiday season could bring him back into action sooner rather than later.
