The NBA is “leaning into” Victor Wembanyama but they need other heroes if Wemby throws another elbow. Wembanyama is now going through the “baptism by fire” that every star (Jordan, O’Neal, James) have dealt with overly physical play by opponents. He will have to stay composed because like O’Neal, his size and length pose new problems for defenses.
Wembanyama’s adjustment to Minnesota defense
Wembanyama has complained to the referees about the physicality of Wembanyama’s defense through the series. He responded naturally in Game 4 when he elbowed Naz Reid, but that response was clearly a flagrant foul level 2. He should’ve been suspended for Game 5.
Coach Brian Johnson said that Wembanyama needs protection from willing defenders. He advocated for Wembanyama after he threw the elbow. He said, “I don’t know about the legality or the rules (whether it was a foul) but there was zero intent.”
Shaquille O’Neal‘s paint dominance in the early 2000’s may have led to the NBA allowing teams to implement zone defenses. This report from Bruins Sports Analytics investigates if the introduction of zone defense led to a decline in O’Neal’s scoring. Wembanyama’s length and size pose a complicated dynamic to team gameplan’s. Wembanyama and the Spurs will face more obstacles like this one.
Wembanyama’s heroic Game 5 return
To add insult to injury, Wembanyama was practically exalted by the NBA broadcasters on his Game 5 return. It was the same during the Spurs game vs. the Heat in March where broadcasters gushed over Wembanayma. Fox Sports personality Nic Wright commented afterward that he was upset at this treatment.
If Wembanyama throws another elbow “in reflex” against the Wolves or the Spurs and the NBA will have to look for another hero. Lebron James had to deal with intense physical defense by opponents. He complained but had to continue playing and ended up winning titles.
Chet Holmgren says that he is a contender to Wembanyama and he will have a chance to prove himself. The Spurs and the Thunder could be the NBA’s first true rivalry since the Warriors-Rockets in the mid-2010’s. Any fan should hope for both teams to stay intact and exchange wins in the next years.
