By Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
The reigning NBA MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder, is the overwhelming favorite to win the trophy again, and Luka Doncic also has a fair chance.
However, Victor Wembanyama stated that he should be the one to take the trophy home.
The French phenomenon was not as direct in his quotes after the big road win in Miami. Still, he weighed in on the discourse of who should be the MVP and why defense, which is one of his main strengths, is usually overlooked.
“I have thought about it,” Wembanyama said. “I think right now, there is a debate. There should be, even though I think I should lead the race. I’m trying to make sure that at the end of the season, there’s no debate.”
Wembanyama is averaging 24.3 points, 11.2 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 3.0 blocked shots. Only six players have finished a season with such numbers: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar did it five times, Hakeem Olajuwon did it twice, and Shaquille O’Neal, Patrick Ewing, and David Robinson each did it once.
Wembanyama has already won the NBA Rookie of the Year award two years ago, but he wants more.
“My first one would be that defense is 50% of the game and that it is undervalued so far in the MVP race. 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. … The third argument would be that offense impact is not just points.”
“I think most or every MVP in the past years has been deserved, has been rightfully picked in my opinion,” he added. “But I think it doesn’t happen often that a player … I mean, how many players have won defensive player of the year and MVP, right? Most recently Giannis, right? It doesn’t happen that often, even though it should, right? I mean, defense is 50 percent of the game. Maybe there should be an offensive player of the year award.”