A locker room conversation on Monday night that began with Spurs wing Keldon Johnson making Victor Wembanyama‘s Most Valuable Player case to Jared Weiss of The Athletic turned into Wembanyama himself tagging in for his teammate and explaining to Weiss why he feels he deserves to be this year’s NBA MVP.
As Weiss writes, Wembanyama highlighted the impact he has on the defensive end of the court, contending that his case hinges on the fact that he’s such an outlier in terms of defensive value, especially compared to his primary competitors for MVP. The Spurs big man suggested that’s one of three primary arguments in his favor relative to current betting favorite Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Thunder.
“My first (argument) would be that defense is 50 percent of the game and that is undervalued, so far, in the MVP race,” Wembanyama said. “I believe I’m the most impactful player defensively in the league. Second argument would be that we almost swept OKC in the season and we dominated them three times with their real team and four times with the, you know, more rotation players. My third argument would be that offense impact is not just points.”
Wembanyama expanded on that last point by focusing on the defensive attention he commands in the pick-and-roll, adding that he has seen data showing that he ranks right alongside Nuggets center Nikola Jokic as the most effective roll man in the NBA. However, he acknowledged that voters need to weigh defensive impact more heavily in order for him to have a legitimate chance at MVP honors.
“It’s going to happen (over) time,” Wembanyama told Weiss. “If there were more players like Giannis (Antetokounmpo) in the past years, maybe defense would have been more recognized. I don’t know.”
Wembanyama is averaging 24.3 points, 11.1 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 3.0 blocks in just 29.3 minutes per game over the course of 56 appearances this season, with a .504/.356/.818 shooting line. Those offensive numbers pale in comparison to Gilgeous-Alexander’s 31.6 PPG, 6.6 APG, and .553/.390/.888 shooting.
Still, Wembanyama’s on/off numbers reflect his value, particularly on defense. The Spurs have registered a +16.6 net rating and 103.5 defensive rating when he’s on the court, compared to a -0.1 net rating and 113.7 defensive rating when he’s not. According to Weiss, he has spoken to some voters who’ve said that they’d vote for Wembanyama if the Spurs (54-18) pass the Thunder (57-15) for the NBA’s best record.
Following his conversation with Weiss, Wembanyama told reporters in his post-game media session that he’s determined to solidify his MVP case by finishing the season strong.
“I think right now, there is a debate,” he said. “There should be, even though I think I should lead the race. And I’ll try to make sure that by the end of the season, there’s no debate.”
If Tim Duncan can win back to back mvps over Kobe I would have to think Wemby could win one over Shai at some point
Tim Duncan was a better player than Kobe Bryant.
There’s no debate right now for MVP because of the 65 game rule, if Wemby can play for the next 9 games and the Spurs take the #1 seed, maybe there will be a conversation.
You have to love it when great players make your argument. As great as Luka is on offense. He makes no impact on defense. And worse he plays defense when he wants to. Or lets his arguing and crying play his D for him. Great players, MVP players, Max players. All should be impactful on defense. At least top 25 or better. The game is 48 mins. And it’s played both ways. ———
“My first (argument) would be that defense is 50 percent of the game and that is undervalued, so far, in the MVP race,” Wembanyama said. “I believe I’m the most impactful player defensively in the league. Second argument would be that we almost swept OKC in the season and we dominated them three times with their real team and four times with the, you know, more rotation players. My third argument would be that offense impact is not just points.”
— Wemby is 100% right. Plus he shows what a true rim protector can do on defensive end. Only a true center can impact the game on defense like Wemby does. it’s why true centers will never go away. Cause this game 50% DEFENSE ——— You can build a great defense around a rim protector. Just like you can build an offense around a great scorer. OK You listening Wagoneers.
I have said it for years. EVERY NBA team should be able to go big or small. And should carry a rim protector. Learn from Wemby. The guy Raynaud put 32 on. 😂😳😂
You could make an argument for either player and not be wrong. It’s really hard to compare the two of them as their games are so different.
I think I would ultimately give it to Wemby by a hair as he greatly affects both ends of the court, and the Spurs are by far the biggest surprise in the NBA this season. OKC was expected to be really good, SA was expected to challenge for a play-in spot.
I’m so great. I deserve an award.
Well, he is
Who cares about MVP, beat them in the playoffs and then see what matters.
Warriors had the best regular season record but are a laughingstock because they didn’t win the title, wasting all their energy on a stupid record.