(Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
The San Antonio Spurs have always built from the inside out.
They always had elite defensive-minded big men to anchor their defense, from David Robinson to Tim Duncan.
Now, Victor Wembanyama is there to get them back to the top, and while his offense has shown impressive flashes, his defense has been even more remarkable.
That’s why it’s not much of a surprise to see that he currently has the second-highest odds to win this year’s Defensive Player of the Year award (+750), trailing only his compatriot, Rudy Gobert (+550) (via NBACentral).
Victor Wembanyama now owns the 2nd best odds to win DPOY, per @BovadaOfficial
Rudy Gobert +550
Victor Wembanyama +750
Evan Mobley +800
Jaren Jackson Jr. +800
Anthony Davis +1000
(Via https://t.co/4caqdRx83J) pic.twitter.com/OzR4TKVH4V
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) November 14, 2023
Wembanyama’s presence alters everything on the defensive end of the floor.
He can linger around the perimeter and his huge wingspan makes shooters think twice before pulling up.
He’s deadly as a help defender, and no one has been brave enough to try him one-on-one and go to the rim with him as the primary defender.
Wembanyama has the potential to lead the league in blocks and deflections year in and year out.
His defensive instincts are remarkable, and his positioning just keeps getting better and better.
Of course, Gobert will always be a frontrunner for the award, but he’s not as good in the perimeter as Wembanyama is already.
And even if he doesn’t take home the award this season, he’s going to be a perennial contender for it, and it wouldn’t be shocking to see him make the cut as an MVP candidate as well once he gets settled in and the game starts to slow down for him.
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