Spurs' Victor Wembanyama vs. Wolves' Rudy Gobert: Who Wins Defensive Player of the Year?
Victor Wembanyama is the runaway favorite for Rookie of the Year. The first-year player for the San Antonio Spurs is leading all rookies in points, rebounds, blocks, and steals, and has already established himself as one of the league's best players.
Wembanyama is so far ahead of other rookies that he is in consideration for another NBA Award, the Defensive Player of the Year Award. It makes sense, as he is first in blocks, first in steals+blocks, and has consistently deterred players from taking shots they otherwise would.
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Wembanyama is already one of the league's most impactful defenders, and is behind only Rudy Gobert of the Minnesota Timberwolves, according to Bleacher Report. Gobert is the best defender on the best defensive team in the league and has long established himself as an elite rim protector, already winning the award three times.
Wembanyama blocked more shots in February than seven teams and is behind only Walker Kessler to lead the league in block percentage, at 9.9 percent.
The main argument against him is that Wembanyama is not contributing to winning right away, and Gobert is. However, Wembanyama has a higher Value Over Replacement Player, more defensive win shares, and averages more steals and blocks than Gobert.
For good measure, Wemby has a higher steal and block percentage than Gobert, as well. This season might be one of the last chances Gobert has to win the award.
The reign of Wembanyama is coming, if it hasn't already arrived, and the NBA is on notice.
