The impact of defense in the NBA has long been debated, and now Draymond Green has shared his views on Victor Wembanyama, pushing his MVP case on the back of stellar defense. The 7-foot-4 French center has used every bit of his size to dismantle the offenses and defenses of almost every team in the NBA. And the Golden State Warriors forward is all up for it, but highlighted a major issue
After the Warriors’ last win against the Brooklyn Nets, the 2016-17 DPOY was asked about Wemby’s recent statement on how defense was 50% of the game, which Green believed was very obvious. The Warriors forward is known to stand up for his defensive abilities and the importance of defense in the league. He said:
“I hated it…and I absolutely loved it. The reason I hate it is because untill Wemby said defense is 50% of the game, there was like ‘Oh man no one realized that?’ No one realize that 50% of the game we play is on that end of the floor. So he comes out makes this profounf a** statement and its like, ‘Oh of course it is’ and everybody is like ‘Oh, he has a great point.’ Hello? So, I hated it because he had to do that and suddenly everybody is like, ‘Hey maybe Wemby should be the MVP,’ and I can agree with that, maybe he is.”
Even though Green supported Victor Wembanyama’s MVP case, he did not like the fact that the young superstar had to mention it to draw the NBA world’s attention to his defensive plays. He also referred to the LA Lakers superstar to make his points and added:
“Everyone wanna crush Luka Doncic when Luka doesn’t live up to the standard on defense, but we got this guy defending the entire team, and no one took it into account until he said, ‘For No. 1, defense is 50% of the game.'” I wanna give him all the credit for such a profound statement, but was it really that profound?”
Earlier as well, the 4-time NBA champion has shown his support for the French center, but he has continuously pushed for recognition of defense in basketball. The NBA’s dipping attention to that side of the court has brought this topic to light several times.
Victor Wembanyama backs his defense, highlighting record against OKC Thunder
The San Antonio Spurs have won four of five games against the OKC Thunder this season, a team with the best defensive rating (106.2) in the NBA. When he was asked about the NBA MVP race this season, Wemby reiterated the Spurs’ record against the Thunder and stated that defense was being undervalued in the MVP ladder.
Wemby said:
“Defense is 50% of the game and that is undervalued so far in the MVP race. I believe I am the most impactful player defensively in the league.”
Victor Wembanyama is third on the NBA MVP ladder this week, and Doncic has moved to the second spot. Wemby is also one of the top contenders for the Defensive Player of the Year award. SGA still sits atop the MVP standings, averaging 31.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 6.6 assists, along with 1.4 steals and 0.8 blocks per game.
READ MORE: Luka Doncic’s MVP Case Brutally Slapped Down by Voter Michael Wilbon, Sparks Heated Debate
Fred VanVleet Tells Media to ‘Slow the F*ck Down’ on Victor Wembanyama-led Spurs Hype
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