Shaquille O’Neal Takes On TNT Co-Hosts as Victor Wembanyama’s DPOY Potential Falls Into Jeopardy

With every game, Victor Wembanyama’s spectacular defensive impact becomes more evident. He again showed his prowess in his team’s 102-87 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies. But there are still some questions. NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal just raised his doubts on the same. Currently, the player in the lead in defense is Rudy Gobert. He is certainly the best defender. And just next in line is the San Antonio Spurs rookie star at 16 percent. However, that’s where the problem is. While the Minnesota Timberwolves are leading in the defensive rating, unfortunately, the Spurs rank 23rd. O’Neal mentioned that while as an individual, Wembanyama is eligible for the title, but his team’s position makes it difficult.

He said, “As a single individual, him playing defense, defense with a player, yes. But you guys in the media, the new rules that you put in his teams, we in the media now, his team does not have a winning team. Does that disqualify him as being a defense player if his team is not winning?”

Soon, WNBA star and co-host Candace Parker asked him whether a player could win DPOY being on the worst teams in the league. In response to the question, O’Neal praised Wembanyama’s defense but explained that it’s difficult considering the new rules. “With the new rules and regulations again, but back like again. If you’d look at as a defensive player of the year as a singular person, then yes, hell yes, it’s a great defense.”

Furthermore, he argued that the voters will consider everything, including his team’s defensive rating. While it is still questionable, another NBA veteran once declared how Wembanyama might be able to win DPOY and  MVP in the same year.

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Will Victor Wembanyama be able to join the illustrious group of DPOY and MVP winners

The Houston Rockets legend Hakeem Olajuwon was the first to win both titles in the same year in 1994. Next who joined on the honor is the Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan. And in this era, we have the Greek Freak, Giannis Antetokounmpo who achieved this feat. During the NBA on TNT show, former NBA coach Sam Mitchell claimed that the next descendant could be Wembanyama. “What we’re about to see in the next two or three years – the MVP and the Defensive Player of the Year all rolled into one,” Mitchell said about Wembanyama’s game.

Judging from the Frenchman’s skills and his team’s position, it might be difficult to decide now, but Mitchell might be right. What remains to be seen is whether he will be able to change O’Neal’s mind. Even now, the Los Angeles Lakers legend claims that the Spurs rookie is second to Bol Bol in dribbling. He highlighted that the Phoenix Suns’ star is just “lazy” to work his way up to the top. What is your take on this? Let us know in the comments section below.

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