Wembanyama should not need to emphasize the significance of defense.
SAN FRANCISCO — Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green expressed that he both “hated” and “absolutely loved” the self-promotion for MVP by San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama on Monday night.
After Wednesday night’s 109-106 victory over the Brooklyn Nets, Green clarified that he appreciated Wembanyama’s readiness to advocate for himself publicly, but he was critical of what the national reaction indicated about the perception and reporting of basketball.
“Wemby stated, ‘Defense is 50% of the game,’ and it was like, oh, no one was aware of that?” Green remarked. “No one recognized that half of the game we play occurs on that side of the court?”
Wembanyama made a three-part case following the Spurs’ win against the Miami Heat, highlighting his team’s 4-1 record against MVP frontrunner Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder, his offensive contributions beyond just scoring, and the widely accepted notion that he is undoubtedly the most formidable defensive presence in the league.
“Everyone says he makes a valid point,” Green noted regarding Wembanyama’s assertion that defense constitutes half the game. “Really? You think? I disliked that he had to make that statement for it to be acknowledged. Suddenly, you turn on the TV and everyone is like, ‘Actually, maybe Wemby is the MVP.’
Green was not prepared to name Wembanyama as his MVP choice, stating “maybe he is,” but emphasized that there is still work ahead. He redirected his response back to the importance of defense.
“It’s a reflection on the state of basketball,” Green commented. “Everyone wants to criticize Luka Doncic when he doesn’t meet defensive expectations. Yet we have this player defending entire teams, and it wasn’t considered until he pointed out that defense is 50% of the game. I want to commend him for such a significant statement, but was it really that groundbreaking? It is undeniably true. Yet it required him to say it.”
Green is recognized for his self-advocacy during award seasons in previous years. He propelled himself into the Defensive Player of the Year discussion last March after a similarly animated press conference at the same venue. Green finished third in the voting.
“With these awards, if you don’t speak up, people can’t see,” Green stated. “In basketball, let’s not pretend that everyone can just open their eyes and understand what’s happening. … Until Evan Mobley finally spoke up last year, no one was going to consider him for Defensive Player of the Year. If you don’t advocate for yourself, it doesn’t work.”
As of Wednesday night, Wembanyama had participated in 57 regular-season games, in addition to the extra game for the NBA Cup championship, meaning he must play in seven of the Spurs’ last 10 games to be eligible for postseason honors.
If he meets that requirement, Wembanyama is viewed as the clear favorite for Defensive Player of the Year but remains a long shot to compete with Gilgeous-Alexander for MVP. He will face Green’s Warriors next Wednesday night on ESPN.
“I commend Wemby for being willing to stand on that platform and say, ‘This is why,'” Green remarked. “Not shying away from the question. Not just assuming they will figure it out. No, they won’t. I’m pleased he is astute enough to realize they won’t understand it. If you don’t help them see it, then they simply can’t see.”
