NBA: Wembanyama DPOY, Trade Deadline & French Players Weekly Update – 2026
The NBA landscape continues to shift, with French players making notable impacts across the league. The recent trade deadline brought changes for some, while others solidified their positions as key contributors. This week saw exceptional performances, highlighted by individual accolades and adjustments to team dynamics.
Victor Wembanyama: Defensive Player of the Month
San Antonio Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama has quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with, earning the Western Conference Defensive Player of the Month award for January. Over three games this week, Wembanyama demonstrated his all-around impact, averaging 22.3 points on 54.5% shooting, 12 rebounds, 3 passes, 2.7 blocks, and 0.7 steals. His standout performance came against the Dallas Mavericks, where he recorded 29 points, 11 rebounds, 6 passes, 3 blocks, and 2 steals in 34 minutes.
Rudy Gobert: Consistent Presence in the Paint
Minnesota Timberwolves centre Rudy Gobert continued to excel in his role, focusing on locking down the paint and capitalizing on easy scoring opportunities. He averaged 10.5 points on 63.3% shooting, 11.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.5 blocks, and 0.8 steals over four games. His best performance came against the New Orleans Pelicans, with 12 points, 16 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 blocks, and 3 steals in 33 minutes.
Rayan Rupert: Flashes of Potential
Rayan Rupert is demonstrating his value as a role player, making the most of his opportunities. In two appearances, he scored 6 points on 66.7% shooting, with 0.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 0.5 steals. He had a strong showing against the Memphis Grizzlies, scoring 12 points with 1 rebound and 1 steal in 12 minutes.
Trade Deadline Impacts: Guerschon Yabusele Finds New Home
The NBA trade deadline brought a change of scenery for Guerschon Yabusele, who was traded from the New York Knicks to the Chicago Bulls. Yabusele appears to be thriving in his new environment, expressing his happiness after his first game with the Bulls, stating it felt “really, really good.” He averaged 13.5 points on 41.7% shooting, 6.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1 counter, and 1.5 steals in two games. His debut with the Bulls saw him score 15 points, grab 11 rebounds, and record 3 assists and 2 steals in 33 minutes.
Other French Players in Action
Moussa Diabaté continues to provide energy and rebounding for his team, averaging 7 points on 46.7% shooting, 7.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 0.7 blocks in three games. Alexandre Sarr and Bilal Coulibaly, both playing for the Washington Wizards, are gaining valuable experience, with Sarr averaging 11.7 points and Coulibaly contributing with playmaking and defence. Maxime Raynaud is showing improvement after a challenging rookie period, while Nolan Traoré is demonstrating aggressiveness and playmaking for the Brooklyn Nets. Zaccharie Risacher is showing flashes of potential, contributing on both ends of the court.
Mohamed Diawara is making the most of his minutes, providing a spark off the bench, and Sidy Cissoko is showcasing his energy, ball-handling, and defensive activity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What award did Victor Wembanyama receive this week?
Victor Wembanyama was named the Western Conference Defensive Player of the Month for January.
Which player was traded from the New York Knicks to the Chicago Bulls?
Guerschon Yabusele was traded from the New York Knicks to the Chicago Bulls.
How many games did Rayan Rupert play in this week?
Rayan Rupert played in two games this week.
As the NBA season progresses, how will these French players continue to develop and contribute to their teams’ success?