The biggest story of the early NBA season is Victor Wembanyama, who already looks like he’s preparing to be the best player in the world. San Antonio Spurs fans are ecstatic about their team’s 4-0 start, even without injured All-Star point guard De’Aaron Fox in the lineup yet.
Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green had high praise for the young rising star. “If he stays at this pace and this level, he’s going to be like MVP, DPOY, Most Improved Player,” Green said on his podcast. “He’s going to be in position to compete for all those awards. So, I think when you look at him, you can only sit and wonder what kind of player it’s going to take to guard him.”
Wembanyama’s early games have made him an early MVP candidate who will stay in the conversation if he keeps playing at a high level and avoids injury. His averages of 31 points, 13.8 rebounds, and 4.8 blocks per game feel more like those of a created video game character than a young player staking his claim in the top basketball league.
### Green’s Praise for Wembanyama’s Defense Matters
Despite putting up incredible offensive numbers, Wembanyama’s defense is considered the strongest part of his game. The Spurs have the best defense in the league so far, allowing only 104.5 points per game—clearly anchored by Wembanyama’s dominance in the paint.
Draymond Green is one of the greatest defenders in NBA history, so his praise of Wembanyama carries even more weight. “He was almost trying to go against AD like he had something against him,” Green said about Wembanyama’s opening-night dominance. The former Defensive Player of the Year added that Wembanyama shutting down a superstar like Anthony Davis is extremely impressive.
Green has not always been quick to praise other elite defenders. He has criticized Jaren Jackson Jr. in the past, even after Jackson won the Defensive Player of the Year award. Wembanyama earning Green’s respect is not something that comes easily for any young defender. The praise is well-deserved and a sign that big names around the league already respect the rising star.
### Wembanyama vs. Green for Defensive Player of the Year?
Green also took time to praise his own play, revealing that he still considers himself the best defensive player in the league. Last season proved that he can still contend for the Defensive Player of the Year award, and he even said he felt he deserved the honor over winner Evan Mobley.
“I feel like defensively right now, I can see everything in slow motion. I still think I’m the best,” Green said about his play so far.
Both Green and Wembanyama are among the early favorites for Defensive Player of the Year. Time will tell if both can stay healthy and consistent enough to compete for the award. Wembanyama remains the clear favorite, and many believe he would have won the past two DPOY awards if he had played enough games.
This season shows strong improvement that could make the award his to lose every year if he stays healthy. Green is hoping that missed games or a Spurs drop-off could boost his own chances.
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With Wembanyama’s remarkable start and Green’s competitive spirit, the Defensive Player of the Year race is shaping up to be one of the most exciting storylines this NBA season. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see who ultimately claims the coveted honor.
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