Victor Wembanyama has taken the NBA by storm in his rookie season, putting up eye-popping stats and highlights on a nightly basis.
While much of the focus has been on his offense and status as the runaway 2024 Rookie of the Year favorite, Wemby is building a strong case as a Defensive Player of the Year candidate as well.
Elite Rim Protection
The most obvious element of Wembanyama‘s defensive prowess is his ability to protect the rim.
At 7’4″ (2.23m) with an incredible 8’0″ (2.43m) wingspan, Wemby is an absolute force at the basket.
He is swatting 3.2 shots per game, the most by a rookie since Shaquille O’Neal.
His block percentage of 9.8% ranks 3rd in the NBA, behind only Brook Lopez and Jaren Jackson Jr.
When Wembanyama is on the court, opponents shoot over 7% worse around the basket compared to when he sits.
Unlike many shot blockers, Wembanyama avoids fouling while erasing shots. His 2.8 blocks per foul rate is elite.
He alters countless other shots as well with his presence, length, and timing. Opposing players have to account for him at all times.
Perimeter Defense
What sets Wembanyama apart from shot blockers like Rudy Gobert is his ability to defend out on the perimeter as well. The unicorn moves like a wing player and uses his length to smother opponents.
Wembanyama holds players to 31.3% shooting from 3-point range. He has shown the agility to stay in front of guards and the size to bother forwards.
His 1.1 steals per game demonstrate great hands too.
The Frenchman often protects the rim and closes out to the 3-point line on the same possession. Opposing teams struggle to find good shots with him roaming as a free safety on defense.
Defensive Versatility
Wembanyama‘s rare physical profile provides immense defensive versatility.
He has guarded every position this year depending on matchups. The Spurs have been over 2 points per 100 possessions better defensively with him playing center.
As a power forward earlier in the year, the 19-year-old held his own against quicker players. Since moving to the 5, he has been even more disruptive with the ability to erase any defensive mistakes.
Wembanyama switches onto guards effectively after screens and uses his mobility and length to take away driving lanes. His basketball IQ also shines when making defensive reads off the ball.
Elite Production and Impact
While young big men often struggle defensively, Wembanyama has been a stud from the start. He is posting 10 rebounds and 3.2 blocks per game so far this season.
Advanced metrics also demonstrate his dominance. Wembanyama ranks 3rd in Defensive Box Plus/Minus, 4th in Defensive Win Shares, and 4th in Defensive Rating.
The Spurs give up almost 14 points per 100 possessions fewer with him playing.
The Rookie Wall and Schedule Difficulty
Two main counterarguments against Wembanyama‘s DPOY hopes are reasonable to consider.
First, hitting the rookie wall later in the season could lead to fatigue and slightly declined defensive activity.
Wemby has been spectacularly consistent so far, but logging big minutes guarding elite players every night is taxing. Sustaining this high level with more film for opponents to scout him could prove difficult.
The Spurs also face a tough second-half schedule with potential seeding implications on the line.
Gregg Popovich may opt to rest Wembanyama or reduce his minutes somewhat in certain spots down the stretch.
Stiff Competition
Even if Wembanyama remains fully unleashed, the defensive player field is crowded with candidates. Rudy Gobert and Jarrett Allen remain firmly ahead in the betting markets for now.
Emerging young bigs like Chet Holmgren and Evan Mobley will also be in consideration if their teams maintain top-ranked defenses.
Perennial candidates including Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bam Adebayo, and Draymond Green are also lurking.
While Wembanyama likely deserves to win, narrative, voter fatigue for Gobert and team success factoring in muddle things somewhat.
Simply getting recognized as a finalist would be a big rookie achievement.
Sources:
www.nba.com/news/wemby-watch-victor-wembanyama-march-10-2024
www.poundingtherock.com/2024/2/19/24077419/case-victor-wembanyama-san-antonio-spurs-defensive-player-of-the-year
spurswire.usatoday.com/2024/03/03/spurs-wemby-dpoy/
