LeBron James’ former teammate, Iman Shumpert, recently gave Victor Wembanyama his flowers and applauded the French center for being in both the MVP ladder and the Defensive Player of the Year race. Wemby is leading the San Antonio Spurs, averaging 24.2 points and 11.1 rebounds, as the team is placed second in the Western Conference.
The Spurs are 3.5 games behind the OKC Thunder, and it will be an uphill task to catch them. Their defense is ranked third in the standings and looks to make a deep run into the playoffs. A majority of the credit for that success goes to the 7-foot-4 center.
Apart from his offensive duties, Wembanyama has blocked most shots for consecutive seasons since he joined the league. He is the leader in blocks this season as well (162). LeBron James teammate on the Cleveland Cavaliers, Shumpert, hailed Wemby’s effort on both ends and said:
“First off, shout out to you (Victor Wembanyama) for being in the MVP ladder and Defensive Player of the Year ladder. Thank you man (while applauding). Aim’t seen this since Mike man. Shout out to you dawg, that’s what I am talking about, go get it. Be in both conversations, yeah, I am busting a** and I’m locking up.”
Michael Jordan, Hakeem Olajuwon, and Giannis Antetokounmpo are the only three players in the NBA who have won both MVP and DPOY in the same season. MJ was known for his quick hands and ability to make crucial defensive plays in clutch situations.
How does Victor Wembanyama fare in comparison to Michael Jordan?
In the 1987-88 season, Michael Jordan averaged a career-high 3.2 steals and 1.6 blocks per game in the regular season and was awarded with both DPOY and MVP honors. He averaged 35 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.9 assists that season. He was that good on both ends.
Wemby, on the other hand, has stacked up the blocks section but hasn’t been that good with his hands, averaging one steal per game this season. He was a finalist for the DPOY honor in his rookie season and was also awarded the Rookie of the Year award unanimously. This season, he was named the Defensive Player of the Month in February.
Additionally, Victor Wembanyama has made his debut appearance on the MVP ladder this season and is highly touted to be the top-3 in voting and final rankings. On the other end, Chet Holmgren, Cason Wallace, and others are among the best defenders this season, considered for the DPOY award.
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