SUMMARY
- A plethora of NBA stars struggle to stop Nikola Jokic.
- Victor Wembanyama has blocked Jokic 8 times in their 4 matchups so far.
An interesting stat focusing on Victor Wembanyama and Nikola Jokic has seized the attention of NBA fans from across the world. As the members of the basketball community should be aware, both Wemby and Jokic are talented European centers currently playing in the NBA.
Considering that Jokic is the franchise superstar for the defending NBA champions while Wemby is still in his rookie season, one would expect the gap between the two centers to be quite great. However, recent reports indicate a different story. That said, a closer look is undoubtedly required.
Victor Wembanyama has blocked Nikola Jokic 8 times in his rookie season
Since Jokic and the Nuggets are the defending NBA champions, all the top centers in the league bring their best game forward in a matchup against them. Considering that Jokic has an arsenal filled with elite moves and has a high ball IQ, it is no surprise that the majority of elite defenders and rim protectors struggle to block Nikola’s shots.
A report soon emerged revealing all the top defenders in the league and their number of blocks against Jokic in their respective careers. While Anthony Davis topped the list with 19 blocks in 23 matchups, fans were stunned to find Wembanyama on the list with 8 blocks in their 4 games played this season.
Most blocks on Jokic all-time:
19 — Anthony Davis (23 GP)
16 — Rudy Gobert (24 GP)
9 — Ivica Zubac (22 GP)
8 — Victor Wembanyama (4 GP) pic.twitter.com/PckqQVfANl— StatMamba (@StatMamba) April 13, 2024
If Wemby continues this pace, he is projected to accumulate almost 50 blocks against Jokic by their 23rd matchup. This speaks to Victor’s defensive abilities and has fans wondering if he should win the DPOY award this season.
Will Wemby win the DPOY award this season?
As far as individual defensive abilities go, there is no denying that Wemby is one of the very best in the league despite being in his rookie season. After all, Victor is listed at 7’5 and has a large wingspan. That allows him to block and contest shots that most players could not imagine stopping.