Victor Wembanyama Is Redefining NBA Defense - Even If the Awards Don’t Show It
We’re only a few months into the NBA season, but one thing is already clear: Victor Wembanyama won’t be walking away with any hardware this year. Not because he’s underperforming - far from it - but because of the NBA’s minimum games played rule. Unless Wemby pulls off a late-season push that borders on the supernatural, Defensive Player of the Year is off the table.
And that’s a shame. Because make no mistake: Wembanyama is the best defender in basketball right now. Full stop.
Don’t Let the Block Numbers Fool You
If you’re just glancing at the stat sheet, you might think Wembanyama has taken a step back. His block numbers are down from last season, and on paper, that could suggest he’s not having the same defensive impact. But that’s where the numbers lie - or at least, don’t tell the whole story.
What’s happening on the court is something we haven’t seen in decades, maybe ever. Wembanyama isn’t just blocking shots; he’s erasing entire sections of the floor.
Opponents aren’t attacking him less because he’s less effective - they’re not attacking him at all because they know what’s coming. He’s become the NBA’s version of a no-fly zone.
It’s a phenomenon we usually associate with elite NFL cornerbacks. Think Darrelle Revis in his prime - quarterbacks didn’t throw his way, not because he wasn’t capable of making plays, but because they knew the odds were stacked against them.
Wemby is doing that in the paint. Players are actively avoiding him, and that’s a testament to just how dominant he’s become.
The Geometry of the Game Has Changed
Wembanyama’s presence alters the very shape of the game. Offenses are being forced to reroute their entire approach the moment he steps on the floor.
Driving lanes disappear. Pick-and-rolls get abandoned mid-action.
Teams are settling for contested jumpers and praying they go in, because trying to finish at the rim with Wemby lurking is a fool’s errand.
He’s not just tall - he’s everywhere. His wingspan, timing, and instincts allow him to contest shots from angles that most defenders can’t even reach.
He’s blocking shots that should be safe. He’s recovering when he’s out of position and still getting a hand on the ball.
He’s making rotations that most bigs wouldn’t even consider.
In short, he’s changing the way teams play basketball - and that’s not something you can quantify with a single stat.
The NBA Needs a “Shots Deterred” Stat
If we’re serious about measuring defensive greatness, we need to evolve how we track it. Traditional metrics like blocks and steals only tell part of the story. Wembanyama’s impact is better captured by what doesn’t happen when he’s on the floor.
How many drives get kicked out early because he’s in help position? How many floaters get rushed or altered mid-air? How many plays never even start because the opposing guard sees Wemby lurking on the weak side?
We need a stat like “shots deterred” - something that captures the fear factor he brings to every possession. Because right now, the best defender in the league is being penalized for being too effective. He’s not getting block numbers because players have stopped giving him the chance.
Appreciate the Alien While You Can
So no, Wembanyama probably isn’t winning Defensive Player of the Year this season. But if you’re watching the games - really watching - you know what’s happening.
You’re seeing a generational defender in his element, doing things we’ve never seen before. He’s not just protecting the rim; he’s redefining what rim protection even means.
Awards or not, Wemby is the gold standard on defense right now. And if you haven’t made time to watch him in action, do yourself a favor and tune in. Because this isn’t just great defense - it’s historic.