Victor Wembanyama has set the NBA alight with his jams in his debut season. The towering Frenchman not only wows the crowd with his blocks but also marauds down the court to put the ball through the net. His record-breaking feat surpassing the NBA great Michael Jordan is enough to vouch for his undeniable talent.
But when you come into the league where the big boys play, you have a target on your back after being a dominant force. Wembanyama seemingly has shifted that target from his back to a senior pro who happens to be his compatriot.
Victor Wembanyama talks on comparison with Rudy Gobert
The basketball sensation Victor Wembanyama has provided his positive input along with a future threat on the Minnesota Timberwolves center, Rudy Gobert winning the DPOY title.
Acknowledging the veteran performance this season, the 20-year-old said in a postgame conference, “I know that Rudy (Gobert) has a very good chance of winning it this year, and it would be deserved. Let him win it now, because after that it’s no longer his turn.”
The one difference he mentions between them is that Gobert is defensively more intense while he has more coverage. The budding star made his determination known, to add the title to his name in the following seasons if not this season.
Despite not winning the NBA championship title, Rudy Gobert is considered as one of the best defensive players in the league. Gobert is all set to add his fourth DPOY title after winning the last three with his former team, the Utah Jazz.
The Wolves have been one of the best defensive units in the league this season and the credit goes to the 31-year-old and his consistency for blocking at least two times per game along with 13.7 points, 12.9 rebounds and 1.2 assists this season. Thanks to Rudy and his defense, the Minnesota franchise is third on the Western Conference table with a 46-21 record.
Although Wemby has been defensively outstanding, the Spurs’ poor 15-53 record could presumably cost him the DPOY title. However, it is safe to say he is still in contention for both the DOPY and POTY awards.
Victor Wembanyama to challenge for ROTY and DPOY
Victor Wembanyama has often made headlines for his incredible performances in his rookie season. The Spurs center has been pitted against the other talented rookie Chet Holmgren, and veteran Rudy Gobert for the ROTY and DPOY titles, respectively.
Wemby has not only shown his excellence when it came to defense, but his stat line also shows his superiority in offense. Playing in 60 games, Wembanyama averaged 20.8 points, 10.4 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.3 steals and an impressive 3.5 blocks per game.
The French rookie has been a favorite of the NBA community and professionals for the immense potential he exhibits on-court and his impressive acumen of the game which helps him dominate the opponents. While Holmgren is averaging 16.8 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 0.6 steals and 2.5 blocks, Wemby has more shots to win the Rookie of The Year title with his higher score statistics.
His tremendous impact on the Spurs has been noticed by NBA greats like Shaquille O’Neal and Kevin Durant among others and has also turned Warriors Draymond Green’s opinion about him.
