While the NBA world showers Kyrie Irving with praise for his unrivaled skill, Irving is doing the same for a player who could very well be the face of the league when LeBron James retires.
After facing the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday night, Irving spoke about his experience facing Victor Wembanyama. It’s a common question that’s led to intriguing responses, even from James himself. James, the last player to enter the NBA with so much fanfare, says that the Wembanyama “has no ceiling” as a player.
Irving, the hoops savant with a high basketball IQ and a pure love for the sport —for his craft —was more detailed in his discussion about what Wembanyama offers as a player. Though focusing on just this season, he was more specific about what Wembanyama can achieve in the Association.
Kyrie Irving Makes DPOY Award Case for Victor Wembanyama
Just a week after Golden State Warriors all-world defender Draymond Green called foul on Wembanyama being in consideration for the Defensive Player of the Year Award, Irving has touted the potential of the 2023 No. 1 pick to do just that.
“He does do things like a Defensive Player of the Year would,” Irving says, per Project Spurs’ Paul Garcia. “He’s showing signs that he’s exceeded all the Defensive Player of the Year stats of the previous guys… You guys see it.”
Interestingly, Green believes that Wembanyama is probably a top-20 player and on an MVP trajectory. It’s hard to reconcile that stance with his belief that the Spurs being a poor defensive team as a whole should prevent him from winning Defensive Player of the Year though. If Wembanyama is a top-20 player already, then why should the Spurs’ general lack of defensive prowess prevent him from winning an individual award?
“He’s for sure a candidate. I don’t know how he wouldn’t be, unless the games played and minutes.”
As he continues to discuss the merits of Wembanyama winning, Irving says “I don’t know who they’re going to pick. But, I mean, [Wembanyama] has all the tools to be named Defensive Player of the Year.”
Victor Wembanyama has more blocks AND steals than any of the last 9 players in their DPOY-winning season… and there’s still 13 games left:
Wembanyama — 290 (and counting)
Jaren Jackson Jr — 254
Marcus Smart — 137
Rudy Gobert — 230
Giannis Antetokounmpo — 127
Draymond Green —… pic.twitter.com/oUqjuPP9wL— NBA Buzz (@OfficialNBABuzz) March 20, 2024
“… Every Defensive Player of the Year that’s won the past few years, he’s almost head and shoulder [above]…,” Irving continues, considering the greatness that Wembanyama has displayed at such a young age.
“I give him credit for being such a young player,” Irving says, “but learning on the fly and doing everything he can to get his team wins.”
Not Just a Tall Guy
Wembanyama currently leads the NBA with 3.5 blocks per game. At 7-foot-4, his ability to be the blocks champion isn’t particularly remarkable. However, there’s a baseless belief that the only reason Wembanyama excels as a rim-protector is because of his length.
In discussing what makes Wembanyama a legitimate Defensive Player of the Year candidate, he revealed that the Frenchman’s timing, instincts, and gamesmanship contribute to his dominance as much as his length.
“Today, I thought I had a reverse layup and he ended up blocking it on the left side, because I thought he was going to be on the right side.”
“You got to be aware of him late challenging,” Irving says. “… He has the timing of a guard. I don’t know if it’s just he’s played against guards… I’m just saying, I think he’s got a lot of reps of playing against good guards and guarding them one-on-one.”
“But also be smart in challenging him,” he continues, “because he does bait you a lot.”
As far as those challenges? Irving, one of the best finishers in the NBA, relishes the opportunity to get the better of Wembanyama. As one of the most competitive players in the league himself, Wembanyama is sure to appreciate those comments from Irving. Perhaps just as much as fans appreciate watching the battles play out.
“… He has this long wingspan,” Irving explains, “so he covers up a lot of space.”
“Me, as a competitor and challenger, I like going in there and challenging him,” he continues, inspiring images of backyard battles against older brothers and cousins. “Because if you can finish on [Wembanyama], I feel like you can finish on anybody in the world… It’s only going to make you better as a basketball player.
And that’s what I want. And I think everybody should relish in that.”
