The San Antonio Spurs have the second-best record in the NBA and look primed to be major title contenders in the Western Conference. Their success comes in part due to the brilliance of Victor Wembanyama, who just moved up to No. 1 on the NBA’s latest MVP ranking.
NBA.com releases its MVP ladder each week, and Friday’s ranking saw Wembanyama surpass OKC Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and L.A. Lakers star Luka Doncic for the top spot.
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He certainly has a strong case for the award. He’s already become the league’s most impactful defender, forcing teams to alter their offensive gameplan entirely in an attempt to score over him.
He’s leading the league with a staggering 3.1 blocks per game while averaging 24.2 points and 11.2 rebounds per contest.
Wembanyama actually argued his own case in a press conference earlier this week, giving three reasons why he should win the award.
“My first one would be that defense is 50% of the game, and that is undervalued so far in the MVP race, because I believe I’m the most impactful player, defensively, in the league,” Wembanyama said.
“Second argument would be that we almost swept OKC in the season, and we dominated them three times with their real team and the fourth time more rotation players. My third argument would be that offensive impact is not just points.”
Wembanyama’s points sent waves through the NBA world, who largely viewed SGA as the consensus choice.
Now, it seems that some are realizing that Wemby may have a point. At just over 22 years old, he would surpass Derrick Rose as the youngest MVP in NBA history.
If the Spurs overtake the Thunder for the best record in the NBA, that may just become a reality.
James Parker is a sports writer for Ball Exclusives, follow him on X @TheJames_Parker
