San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama's recent return has seen him explode offensively, but his defensive numbers have taken a big hit. Before he went down with a calf injury that cost him 10 games, he was averaging 3.7 blocks per game.
Now, after returning from a hyperextended knee and spending time coming off the bench, he is down to just 2.5 blocks per game. That major drop-off has likely hurt his Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) hopes.
It's already hanging on by a thread with him only able to miss four more games and still qualify for the award. There also isn't a guarantee that he will lead the league in total blocks like he's done in each of his first two seasons.
Victor Wembanyama faces an uphill battle to win a major award
Currently Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren is favored to win Defensive Player of the Year, according to FanDuel. Oh boy, he might be the first player to not want a major award.
That's considering that Wembanyama's anger towards him might become untethered, with his rage knowing no bounds. Wembanyama already seems to have gotten into Holmgren's head.
Now imagine the 7'4" Frenchman having added motivation to humiliate his rival. Fans would love to see it.
Pettiness aside, Wembanyama averaging fewer blocks does dent his DPOY odds, with him only ranking fourth on FanDuel. That could very well change if he doesn't miss another game between now and the NBA All-Star break.
Him playing in those nine games would make it far more likely that he qualifies for postseason awards. That could make it a two-man race between him and Holmgren.
Wembanyama may still very well win Defensive Player of the Year
Considering that many believe that he should have won it the last two seasons, voters might give Wemby the benefit of the doubt. Also, Wembanyama missing more games than Holmgren may ironically help him.
It gives voters an idea of how much of an impact he makes on the defensive end. They could compare the Spurs' on/off numbers with and without Wembanyama. Currently, San Antonio boasts a 110.7 defensive rating with Wembanyama and only a 117 defensive rating without him.
That 6.3 points per 100 possessions difference is massive. The Spurs are playing at the equivalent of a top three defense with him on the court compared to a 25th-ranked defense without him.
Whether he's blocking 3.7 or 2.5 shots per game, it's hard to understate his impact. And, if he ultimately qualifies for Defensive Player of the Year, he should absolutely win it given his impact.