San Antonio Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama hasn’t even played a full season in the NBA yet. But the Frenchman is already getting the respect on defense akin to a multi-time Defensive Player of the Year.
One play from Tuesday’s 102-87 win over the Memphis Grizzlies perfectly encapsulated Wemby’s defensive dominance in his first season stateside.
Victor Wembanyama Disrupts A 3-Man Fastbreak All By Himself
The Spurs were leading the Grizzlies 66-56 midway through the third quarter at FedExForum. San Antonio botched a fastbreak on their end, which granted Memphis a 3-on-1 break of their own.
Normally, a 3-on-1 matchup would yield an easy bucket at the rim. At worst, the third man could pop out to the corner for an uncontested three-pointer. But the rules change when Wembanyama is the lone man down the floor.
Grizzlies big men Brandon Clarke and Trey Jemison played hot potato with the basketball. With neither men looking to challenge Wemby at the rim, they dished it out to Jordan Goodnwin in the corner. But Wembanyama was anticipating the pass enough that he was able to close out on Goodwin in the corner.
Goodwin was able to blow past Wembanyama and score on the play. But the Spurs rookie’s insane defensive gravity was on full display during the play.
Victor Wembanyama Is All-In On Becoming An All-World Defender
Wembanyama can do freakish things on offense. But he seems to enjoy the defensive side of the floor quite a ton, which is evidenced by his request to play all-defense during a 1-on-1 session with Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey back in 2022.
Wembanyama has already staked his claim on all the Defensive Player of the Year trophies for the foreseeable future. The Spurs star was generous enough to yield this year’s award to his French National Team senior Rudy Gobert. But it’s basically a guarantee that Wemby will win a DPOY award sooner rather than later.
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