Victor Wembanyama is adding his own flavor to the defense

SAN ANTONIO, TX – MARCH 6: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs smiles during the game against the LA Clippers on March 6, 2026 at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photos by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

Sometimes you see something and instantly know it cannot be replicated. It must have been what the Trojans thought when witnessing Achilles vanquish their forces, or what concert goers reasoned when watching Jimi Hendrix play guitar with his teeth. It’s not much different when watching Victor Wembanyama lock up the lane.

Of course, Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Russell, and Hakeem Olajuwon, who are some of the league’s most prolific shot blockers, were just as good or better at it, yet there’s no one in the NBA who can do it on Wemby’s level. He’s got 26 more than the next man, Jay Huff, who has played in 14 more games this season.

Keep in mind that Wembanyama has recorded more blocks (151) than turnovers (125) and fouls (133) through 50 games. In fact, none of the other big-name defenders have logged more blocks than fouls this season. He came into the league as a noteworthy defender, and he’s gotten better at guarding two players at once. His physical gifts help significantly as he covers more ground, but he should get more credit for being cunning.

In his case, he uses unique reach, size and agility to deter shots with both hands. Players get praise for being ambidextrous when they shoot with both hands, but maybe he should get some for blocking with each as well. He looks like a free safety who has fooled a quarterback with his eyes when focusing on his man then shifting attention to the incoming ball handler.

It’s his counter for opponents being tentative when he’s around the rim. Being able to use the right or left will also make it harder for opponents to scheme him out. Perhaps these tactics will help him have a double-figure block game soon. He’s only had two in his carer, by the way.

He could probably turn into a terrific volleyball player like Chamberlain if he wanted to, with his body control and instincts. Ryan Razooky made a great clip on Instagram highlighting the snake-eyes and blocks with each hand.

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Part of the reason the Spurs’ defense is so potent is because of the aftershock of the blocks. They demoralize opponents similarly to getting crossed up, and usually make the person affected lose their vigor. It takes a special player to remain aggressive when their shot is pinned to the backboard by the defender’s off-hand, causing the roar of the crowd.

Chet Holmgren and Rudy Gobert are both long seven-footers with great timing. Maybe they could steal the snake-eyes block trick, but it’s hard to see them being effective with each hand since they don’t have the same level of upper-body control. It doesn’t change the fact that they are fantastic defenders, but being able to use both hands is like being able to lean back in boxing, tagging the opponent at range.

This is the type of stuff that makes one speculate that Wemby has the Defensive Player of the Year crown waiting for him if he crosses the minimum games requirement (65). Substance is mainly what counts, but there should be consideration for style points, too.