Draymond Green, bless his heart, is never one to mince words. So when he heard Victor Wembanyama declare his ambition to be an MVP and a Defensive Player of the Year, Green had that classic Draymond reaction: a mix of "I hate it" and "I absolutely love it." And honestly, he's got a point. Wemby shouldn't have to say it out loud. Not yet, anyway. The best defensive players in the game, the ones who truly change outcomes, they don't need a press conference to stake their claim. Their presence is felt, their impact undeniable.
Think about it. When Rudy Gobert won his fourth DPOY this season, did he spend October telling everyone he was coming for it? No, he just anchored a Timberwolves defense that finished first in the league, allowing a stingy 108.4 points per 100 possessions. Jaren Jackson Jr. didn't have to tweet about his DPOY aspirations before leading the league in blocks in 2022-23 with 3.0 per game. The stats, the film, the sheer frustration of opposing offenses — that’s the real MVP campaign. Wemby, despite his otherworldly talent, is still a rookie. A phenomenal one, sure, averaging 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, and a league-leading 3.6 blocks. But the Spurs still finished 22nd in defensive rating, giving up 115.2 points per 100 possessions. That’s the disconnect Green is probably seeing.
Green understands defense at a visceral level. He's a four-time NBA champion and a former DPOY himself, back in 2017. His Warriors teams, particularly during their dynastic run, were built on stifling defense and relentless switching. He knows what it takes to be the best on that end. He knows the sacrifice, the communication, the often-unheralded work that goes into stopping an opponent cold. When Green says he hates Wemby’s self-promotion, it's not because he doubts the kid's potential. It's because true defensive greatness is earned through action, not declaration. It's about showing up every single night, disrupting passing lanes, rotating perfectly, and protecting the rim with an almost violent intent.
Wemby’s rookie season was historic. He became the first player ever to record 1,500 points, 250 assists, 250 blocks, and 100 steals in a single season. The potential is limitless. But the Spurs, as a team, still have a long way to go. They finished with a 22-60 record, missing the playoffs for the fifth straight season. Individual brilliance, even record-breaking brilliance, doesn't always translate to team success, especially on defense, which is inherently a collective effort. My hot take? Wembanyama's DPOY campaign will gain far more traction next season if the Spurs jump into the top 15 defensively, regardless of what he says in interviews.
Here's the thing: Wembanyama has all the tools. His 8-foot wingspan and incredible agility make him a nightmare on defense. He already showed flashes of being a generational defender, with multiple games featuring 5+ blocks. On March 29, he dropped 26 points, 12 boards, and 7 blocks against the Knicks, proving he can dominate both ends. But for him to truly embody that DPOY status, he needs to elevate the entire Spurs defense around him. He needs to be the consistent anchor that transforms San Antonio into a legitimate defensive powerhouse.
Green’s critique, if you can even call it that, is less about Wembanyama's ambition and more about the natural progression of a defensive superstar. You don't just say you're going to be the best defender; you become it, and the world notices. Next season, I predict Wembanyama will lead the league in blocks again, and this time, the Spurs will make a genuine push for a play-in spot, largely on the back of his defensive prowess, rendering any pre-season declarations completely unnecessary.