Last night, the Chicago Bulls hosted the San Antonio Spurs and 7-foot-4 rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama. After facing the Spurs for a second time in December, Bulls head coach Billy Donovan has become enamored with Wembanyama’s length and how he uses it to his advantage to make an impact on the defensive side of the ball.
“Defensively, he’s a handful just because he’s so long,” Donovan said after the game during his press conference. “And even when you get angles to the basket, you still have got to try to finish over him,” Donovan added.
During the Bulls’ 114-95 victory over the Spurs yesterday, Wembanyama had two steals and three blocks in just 22 minutes of action. Currently, Wembanyama is tied for first place in the NBA with Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez in blocks per game (3.0). Additionally, Wembanyama ranks second in the league in total blocks (74), trailing only Lopez (85).
While Wembanyama’s defensive prowess has yet to translate to wins for the Spurs (currently in last place in the Western Conference with a 4-23 record), the rookie has already established himself as one of the best individual defenders and rim protectors in the NBA thanks to his combination of size, athleticism, and quick instincts.
Donovan is the latest member of the NBA to acknowledge Wembanyama’s defensive presence and given that the rookie is just 19 years old, he is only beginning to scratch the surface of his capabilities.
