Is the NBA ready for another Victor Wembanyama? Well, by the time the second one would be ready, the 7 ft 4 Spurs star might have retired from the league. Yes, the possibility in the discussion is not even in this world yet. And it’s none other than the child that former NBA star Joakim Noah has been expecting with his wife.

Appearing on All The Smoke, Noah shared some details on his present family scenario. And the discussion led to the ex-Chicago Bulls star highlighting the fact his wife, Lais Ribeiro, is 6’1″. “She might have a Wemby in her Belly right now,” he hilariously added.

Of all the giants that NBA history has witnessed, why a sudden reference to Wemby? Well, if you are referring to the tallest player who has had the most success with his debut itself, Wemby is the top name on this list. Yes, no other player who is 7’4″ or taller has had a debut season where he averaged 20+ points and 3+ blocks per game through the season. The closest one is Ralph Sampson, with 21 ppg, but only 2.4 bpg. No wonder he, too, like Wemby, earned himself the Rookie of the Year.

And Joakim Noah’s repeatedly praise for the 7’4″ Spurs star reflects his understanding of Wmby’s uniqueness. He recently, in an exclusive interview with Sports Illustrated, reflected on the Team USA vs. France matchup in the gold medal game and what it meant for young French athletes. He expressed his belief that players like Wembanyama are paving the way for future generations of French talent.

“When you get a chance to play with Wembanyama for the next 10 to 15 years, it’s exciting. Something is going on in France at the grassroots level, and it’s working,” Jo said. So if Noah wants his child also to be exceptional right from the start, who better than Wemby as a role model? Apart from this, the fact Joakim Noah shares a French heritage because of his father’s roots in the country may also be another reason.

But after all the admiration and respect, why is it that Jo believes that season 2024 was not ideally the Spurs rookie’s chance to rightfully win the Defensive Player of the Year? And that too, even after the fact that he had better stats on the defensive end than 2024 DPOY Rudy Gobert.

“Gotta be a top team defense”: Joakim Noah’s suggestion for Wemby to earn himself the DPOY

With Vic averaging 3.6 blocks, 1.2 steals, and 8.4 defensive rebounds per game as compared to Gobert’s 2.1 blocks, 0.7 steals, and 9.2 defensive rebounds per game, a certain section of the NBA favored Wembanyama as the ideal 2024 DPOY. But Noah, despite all his appreciation for Wemby, is not among them. Notably, the former Bulls star has himself secured the title once. So he must know at least a thing or two about what it takes.

And coming from a guy who knows what it takes, his words carry weight. “You’ve got to be a top defense, a top team defense,” he said. “Individually, is he (Victor) the best defender? Yes. But when you’re the big guy, you’ve got to orchestrate the other guys.”

Noah’s point makes sense. Sure, Wemby is blocking shots left and right, but the Spurs? They’ve been struggling on defense, allowing 118.6 points per game—24th in the league. Their defensive rating? 22nd. And with only 22 wins in the last season, it’s clear that the Spurs’ defense isn’t getting them anywhere. But Joakim Noah still having Vic as the first player to refer to when it comes to his unborn reflects none of this perception by Jo comes from a place of negativity.

Stay tuned for more updates. Join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host, BG12, sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.