Victor Wembanyama was very clear about the title of defender of the year.
Questioned by French journalist Théo Quintard, the French interior of the San Antonio Spurs, best blocker in the NBA, did not hide his interest in this trophy.
“It certainly interests me, it’s a reward that I want to win in the future,” he admitted.
Before continuing: “Rudy (Gobert) has a very good chance of winning it this year.
It would be deserved, but let him earn it now, because afterward it won't be his turn (laughs).
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🎙️Victor Wembanyama on the title of defender of the year: “It certainly interests me, it’s a reward that I want to win in the future”.
“Rudy (Gobert) has a very good chance of winning it this year.
It would be deserved but let him win it now because after this… pic.twitter.com/TdB99oPEf9
— Théo Quintard (@TheoQuintard) March 14, 2024
This season, Rudy Gobert is among the favorites to win the Defender of the Year trophy.
In Minnesota, the Frenchman protects the circle of the best defense in the NBA - 108.3 points conceded per game - and occupies second place in the general ranking of rebounders, with an average of 12.9 shots per game.
The native of Saint-Quentin also has the second highest
“
plus/minus” on his team.
This statistic, little known to the general public, but extremely revealing, shows the point differential when the player is on the field.
This season, his is +378. Only fullback Anthony Edwards, the team's top scorer, is better (+428).
Read alsoNBA: Wembanyama and the Spurs will play two NBA games in January 2025 in Paris
Collective results still seem to be lacking for Victor Wembanyama (14 wins for 52 losses, third worst record in the NBA) to hope to win the defender of the year trophy.
On the contrary, those of the Minnesota Timberwolves, third in the Western Conference (45 wins for 21 losses), play in favor of Rudy Gobert.
The latter could equal the giants Ben Wallace and Dikembe Mutombo by winning his fourth title in this position.
The record in the NBA.