Victor Wembanyama's Stunning Defense Earns Him Top 40 Spot on All-Time NBA List

Victor Wembanyama has already made a name for himself as one of the greatest defenders in the NBA, and his latest achievement is a testament to his incredible skills. The 22-year-old San Antonio Spurs center has been ranked 36th on Bleacher Report's list of the 99 best defenders in NBA history.

What happened?

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. Wembanyama's impressive defensive skills, including his 9.9 career block percentage and 3.5 blocks and 1.1 steals per game through his first three seasons, earned him a spot on the list.

Why it matters for Victor Wembanyama

Wembanyama's ranking is all the more impressive when considering the company he keeps. He is ahead of established stars like Jrue Holiday, Marcus Smart, and Joakim Noah, and even landed a first-place vote from at least one member of the panel. This suggests that Wembanyama's peak defensive ability is already being recognized as among the best in the league.

What comes next?

While Wembanyama's ranking may be too low according to some experts, his impressive defensive skills are undeniable. With his ability to erase shots and force opponents to change their plans, Wembanyama is a terrifying deterrent on the court. As he continues to develop and improve, it's likely that his ranking will continue to rise.

Wembanyama's defensive impact cannot be fully explained by blocked shots alone. His presence often convinces players to abandon drives before they even reach him, and guards who beat their initial defender can suddenly find themselves retreating from the paint because Wembanyama is waiting near the rim.

Bleacher Report described Wembanyama as a "terrifying deterrent" who forces opponents to change their plans simply by standing in the right place. This is a testament to his incredible defensive skills and his ability to make a significant impact on the court.

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, and Patrick Ewing was No. 46. Active standouts like Bam Adebayo and Jaren Jackson Jr. also ranked behind Wembanyama.

There is still a considerable gap between Wembanyama and the top of the list, with Bill Russell ranked 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, suggesting that his peak defensive ability is already being recognized as among the best in the league.

At his current pace, No. 36 will not hold him for long. Wembanyama's impressive defensive skills and his ability to make a significant impact on the court make him a force to be reckoned with in the NBA.