Spurs HC Gregg Popovich Announced, Victor Wembanyama received the inaugural Western Conference Defensive Player of the Month award in November.
It was assumed that Wemby would win the Defensive Player of the Year award. Some even contend that Victor was more worthy than Rudy Gobert, the DPOY winner from the previous season, during his first campaign.
Wembanyama’s season ended with the discovery of his deep vein thrombosis, which sparked discussion about who might now be considered for 2025’s Defensive Player of the Year.
Amen Thompson, the Western Conference Defensive Player of the Month for January, and Jaren Jackson Jr., who won the same honor in December, were the only two players in the league to surpass 60 blocks and 60 steals, as noted by Ryan Ruocco and James Bilas during Wednesday night’s broadcast.
Victor Wembanyama wasn’t included in that group because his season was cut short with 52 steals. However, he would qualify if he reached at least 50 steals and 60 blocks. If Wembanyama were to record 50+ steals and 150+ blocks, he would stand in a category of his own.
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In November, Dyson Daniels earned the first DPOM in the Eastern Conference. He leads the league with 3.1 steals.
In December, Evan Mobley served as the DPOM for the Eastern Conference. Like Wemby, he doesn’t make the top 50 in thefts, although he presently leads the league in blocks (9th).
Andrew Nembhard, a guard with the Indiana Pacers, won the DPOM award for the East last month. His 1.3 steals per game is comparable to Anthony Davis, Draymond Green, and Jaren Jackson, Jr. He has less bricks, but it’s still great to be in his company.
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There is an intangible component to defense as well. Without falling into one of the two main categories, a player might cause disruptions by forcing turnovers or stopping shooters. Wemby is arguably the best example in the NBA right now because he blocks less shots than players would if they didn’t want to avoid him. The most skilled three-point shooters consistently send it around the horn due to his extended arms. Additionally, players have reconsidered taking a lay-up more times than they can remember simply because Wemby is in their rearview mirror.
When the season comes to an end and the Defensive guy of the Year trophy is awarded to a guy who probably didn’t see the accolade coming back at the start of the season, it will probably be that kind of intangible trait that helps shape the conversation.
