Victor Wembanyama needed only three seasons to convince a panel of NBA writers that he already belongs among the greatest defenders in basketball history. The San Antonio Spurs superstar landed at No. 36 in Bleacher Report’s new ranking of the 99 best defenders the NBA has ever seen. That put the 22-year-old ahead of established stars and former Defensive Player of the Year winners, including Jrue Holiday, Marcus Smart, Joakim Noah, Tyson Chandler and Marc Gasol.
The most frightening part for the rest of the NBA is that Bleacher Report’s staff suggested the ranking may actually be too low.
“If anything, this ranking might actually be a little conservative, and it could certainly look that way in a few years,” Andy Bailey wrote in the original Bleacher Report ranking.
Considering what Wembanyama has already accomplished, that warning does not feel like an exaggeration.
Victor Wembanyama already climbing NBA’s all-time list
Bleacher Report compiled its ranking through a staff vote that considered traditional statistics, advanced metrics, Defensive Player of the Year voting, All-Defensive selections, peak dominance, longevity and the eye test. Longevity is the only category working against Wembanyama.
The 7-foot-4 center has averaged 3.5 blocks and 1.1 steals per game through his first three seasons. His 9.9 career block percentage illustrates how frequently he erases shots when opponents challenge him near the basket. Wembanyama also became the first unanimous Defensive Player of the Year in NBA history during the 2025-26 season. He averaged 3.1 blocks and 9.5 defensive rebounds in only 29.2 minutes per game while earning his second consecutive All-Defensive First Team selection.
His defensive impact cannot be fully explained by blocked shots, either. Wembanyama’s presence often convinces players to abandon drives before they even reach him. Guards who beat their initial defender can suddenly find themselves retreating from the paint because Wembanyama is waiting near the rim.
Bleacher Report described him as a “terrifying deterrent” who forces opponents to change their plans simply by standing in the right place.
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Which NBA legends ranked behind Wembanyama?
Wembanyama’s No. 36 ranking becomes even more remarkable when considering some of the names below him. Kobe Bryant finished at No. 42 despite making 12 All-Defensive teams. Patrick Ewing was No. 46, Marcus Smart landed at No. 54 and three-time blocks leader Theo Ratliff was No. 87.
Active standouts Bam Adebayo, Jaren Jackson Jr., Evan Mobley, Chet Holmgren, Alex Caruso, OG Anunoby and Derrick White also ranked behind Wembanyama. Jrue Holiday narrowly beat him for the No. 35 spot.
There is still a considerable gap between Wembanyama and the top of the list. Bleacher Report ranked Bill Russell first, followed by Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett, Hakeem Olajuwon and Ben Wallace.
However, Wembanyama has already received a first-place vote from at least one member of the panel. That may be the most revealing detail of all. Wembanyama has not yet built the resume necessary to surpass Russell, Duncan or Olajuwon, but someone already believes his peak defensive ability belongs at the very top.
At his current pace, No. 36 will not hold him for long.
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