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GG Jackson Reveals How Victor Wembanyama Trash Talks
Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports

In the aftermath of the San Antonio Spurs' victory over the Memphis Grizzlies, the attention wasn't solely on Victor Wembanyama's impressive on-court performance but also on his unique trash-talking style, as revealed by Grizzlies rookie GG Jackson.

"Oh definitely, when we played him in San Antonio, he blocked my shot back into my hands. I wrapped around and gave it to Deke, but when he blocked it, he's so high in the air, so when he talked trash it sounded like he was whispering. He was like, 'Go back up. Go. Go. You scared. You scared. You scared.'

"So I had to remind him that, I was like, you said I was scared. I don't want to take a leap, but he's definitely going to be one of the greatest defenders of all time when it's all said and done."

Jackson, in awe of Wembanyama's towering stature, described how the French rookie's trash talk seemed like mere whispers from high above. According to Jackson, Wembanyama's words of intimidation sound subdued due to his elevated position in the air during games.

Wembanyama's imposing presence on the court often leaves opponents feeling intimidated, a sentiment echoed by Jackson. Despite his relatively quiet demeanor, Wembanyama's defensive prowess and commanding presence make him a formidable force on the court.

The French rookie's defensive dominance is evident in his league-leading blocks, averaging an impressive 3.6 blocks per game. Additionally, Wembanyama's well-rounded game extends beyond defense, with impressive averages of 21.3 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.2 steals per game across 70 appearances.

As Wembanyama continues to make his mark in the NBA, his unique trash-talking style adds another dimension to his already impressive skill set. Opponents will undoubtedly continue to feel the impact of Wembanyama's presence on the court, both through his stellar play and his subtle yet effective verbal jabs.

Victor Wembanyama Can Become First Rookie To Win DPOY

Victor Wembanyama's impact on the defensive end has been nothing short of extraordinary, solidifying his candidacy for the prestigious NBA Defensive Player of the Year award, a feat unprecedented for a rookie in league history. With his towering presence and formidable defensive skill set, Wembanyama has transformed into a force to be reckoned with in just his debut season.

Opposing players now hesitate before attempting shots in Wembanyama's vicinity, often opting to alter their game plans due to the looming threat he poses. His league-leading average of 3.5 blocks per game, coupled with 1.3 steals and 3.0 deflections per game, showcases his exceptional ability to disrupt opposing offenses and protect the rim effectively.

Comparing Wembanyama's defensive contributions to other prominent defenders in the league reveals his remarkable prowess. With superior stats in key defensive categories like steals, blocks, and defensive rating, Wembanyama stands out among his peers as a defensive stalwart.

Furthermore, his impact on the Spurs' defensive rating is notable, as indicated by the -12.0 difference when he is on the court compared to when he is off, demonstrating his significance in bolstering the team's defensive performance. In contrast, other elite defenders like Rudy Gobert and Bam Adebayo exhibit larger differentials, emphasizing Wembanyama's considerable influence on the Spurs' defensive effectiveness despite his rookie status. 

His transformative effect on the Spurs' defense is undeniable, as evidenced by the team's significantly improved defensive rating when he is on the court compared to when he is off. This impact has been particularly evident in the Spurs' recent games, where their defensive rating with Wembanyama on the court ranks among the league's best.

Despite his team's overall record, Wembanyama's individual defensive excellence has not gone unnoticed by fans, players, and coaches alike. His historic 40-point, 20-rebound performance against the New York Knicks further underscored his defensive prowess, cementing his status as a frontrunner for both the NBA Rookie of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year awards.

As Wembanyama continues to showcase his defensive dominance on the court, his candidacy for the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award becomes increasingly compelling. With his remarkable achievements and undeniable impact, Wembanyama is poised to make history as the first rookie to claim this prestigious defensive accolade, setting a new standard for excellence in the league.

This article first appeared on Fadeaway World and was syndicated with permission.

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