As the NBA season comes to a close, we have a good idea who will win what major awards. Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic will likely win his third MVP in four seasons, 76ers All-Star Tyrese Maxey won Most Valuable Player award and San Antonio Spurs rookie sensation Victor Wenbanyama will probably win the Rookie of the Year award.
All three players are deserving of awards that will come at some point, but Defensive Player of the Year may not be as obvious. Minnesota Timberwolves All-Star center Rudy Gobert is currently the odds-on favorite. However, an unexpected spoiler has garnered attention regarding three-time Defensive Player of the Year and superstar rookie Victor Wembaneyama.
That's right, everyone. Wembaneyama is also a candidate for Defensive Player of the Year in his rookie season. His size and height alone are otherworldly, and that helps a lot on the defensive side of the ball. At this point, Gobert is obviously losing, but Wenbanyama is also catching up.
According to Basketball Insiders, Gobert is the outrageous favorite to win at -500, while Wembaneyama is second at +350 odds.
Victor Wenbanyama (+350 odds)
“The Rookie of the Year favorite also leads the NBA in blocks per game with 3.5. In addition to this, Wenbanyama has 1.3 steals per game and is a defensive player. He has a rating of 107 and a block rate of 10.0 percent. He is also tops in the league with a defensive box plus/minus rating of 3.0. Although Wenbanyama's defense has not led to much success for his team, he was named Defensive Player of the Year. Some would argue that the chances of getting a “should be even higher.''
Getty Images/David Berding
As Los Angeles Lakers great and future Hall of Famer LeBron James said, “Wembaneyama is an alien.” We've never seen anyone of his stature doing what he does night in and night out. You might think, “He's 7 feet 4 inches, so he must be good at defense.'' Yes, that's true, but not all tall people can take advantage of it.
Wenbanyama doesn't take his size for granted. He averages 3.5 blocks and 1.6 steals per game. When he records blocks and steals, he's often the one bringing the ball in after causing a turnover. Even if the 20-year-old doesn't win this season, he will likely end up winning the award multiple times over time. It will soon be Wenby's league and we will all be living it.
rare knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom, finding common ground and finding connections.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom, finding common ground and finding connections.
