Peter Okereke
Victor Wembanyama has shut down the prevailing notion making the rounds that no one plays defense in the NBA nowadays.
The San Antonio Spurs star is the favorite to win the Defensive Player of the Year this season and will likely give OKC Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander a run for the MVP award as well.
Speaking to reporters following the Spurs’ victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday, Wembanyama was asked about what surprised him the most in the league.
He then mentioned the talk of how defense isn’t being played anymore in the league and why that notion isn’t true, based on how coaches of opposing teams are preparing for him.
Victor Wembanyama debunks “no defense anymore” talk about NBA
While responding to reporters during the postgame presser, Victor Wembanyama said:
“I got here, it’s a lot of talk about the NBA that nobody plays defense anymore or like there’s no defense in the NBA.”
“I heard that a lot before coming here, but it’s just not true. Players are just that good. … People actually do guard in the NBA and do lots of scouting.”
His latest statements may ring true, as due to his sheer size and length, NBA teams have been more physical with the Frenchman this season, with some teams getting more aggressive and trying to throw him off his game.
But in just his third season, Wembanyama is already averaging 24.2 points, 11.3 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.1 steals and 3.1 blocks per game. He remains eligible to win several awards, but he can only miss a maximum of two games to be at the 65-game threshold.
Given his performances so far, Wembanyama will likely win the Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) this season and possibly be in the MVP race alongside the top contender, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who is widely viewed as the favourite.
