The San Antonio Spurs are not the flashiest team in the NBA, but they are certainly the most interesting. Somehow, second overall pick Dylan Harper has been reduced to a sideshow, like the rest of his teammates.
None of them really seems to mind. After all, the Spurs belong to Victor Wembanyama.
Even before he was drafted first overall in 2023, Wembanyama was the most interesting player on the planet. At an eye-popping 7-foot-3, he boasted enough defensive dominance to earn first-pick consideration on that end of the floor alone. Add in his ball handling and scoring versatility, and he has legitimate GOAT potential.
He entered the offseason long established as the best defender in the world. He has made adding to his offensive game a priority this summer. Last year, he was a league-average shooter from deep. Couple that with his interior dominance, and he’s the most well-rounded player in the NBA.
Add in his physical stature, and there’s one question teams shouldn’t be able to shake.
GettyINDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – OCTOBER 13: Bennedict Mathurin #00 and Isaiah Jackson #22 of the Indiana Pacers block out Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs during the preseason game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on October 13, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
How Can NBA Players Defend Victor Wembanyama?
In his first two NBA seasons, Wembanyama was dominant, but he was not without weakness. He was (and still is) slender and wiry, somewhat easy to force out of his spot. His dribble, also, was not very tight. As a result, he was prone to losing the ball when attacking the hoop from distance.
This summer, he improved his footwork, spent time in the weight room, and has a new supporting cast.
On top of that, he grew. Last year, he was the tallest player in the NBA at an official 7-3. That was a laughable measurement then, and he’s only surpassed it.
“He was listed at 7-3 as a rookie, but that was a lie,” declared ESPN’s Brian Windhorst. “He was not 7-3. I believe he was actually about 7-5. He’s now listed at 7-5. I think he might be approaching 7-7.”
Boban Marjanović, a legitimate 7-4, admitted that there is “no way” he is taller than Wembanyama.
With the added strength, skillset, and height, there is simply no way to reliably defend against him.
“Wemby, when he’s healthy, he’s a question that you can’t answer,” said The Athletic’s Dave DuFour on October 15th. “There was this thing where they were guarding him with smaller players. Well, he got bigger over the summer, and I’m not sure if you can do that.”
Past Defensive Solutions Won’t Work on Wemby
As DuFour pointed out, in years past, teams would guard him on the perimeter with wings. Wembanyama could shoot over them, but he couldn’t drive through or past them.
That seems to have changed. Not only is his handle and footwork better, but he doesn’t mind steaming right through opponents.
“In some of these early preseason games, I have appreciated watching him drop his shoulder and move guys out of the way for the first time,” DuFour added. “This looks like year three or four Giannis at this point, from a body standpoint. He’s really starting to get some shoulders, and his back is a little bit bigger.”
If you let him shoot, he’s a league-average sniper and only getting better. Besides, his release point is roughly 11 feet off the ground, so blocking his shots is a pipe dream, anyway. If you close out to get in your face, the Spurs have shooters around him, or he could just take a single dribble and end up under the basket.
Wembanyama has proven that he is the best defender in the world, and his offense is poised to break out, as well.
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