Open Thread: Amen Thompson named Western Conference Defensive Player of the Month

What feels like snub really isn’t

I live in my Silver & Black tinted glasses. I’m a Spurs Stan and I don’t have any qualms with my position in life.

I truly believe Victor Wembanyama is the greatest defensive player the league is ever going to see. He may not be at the height of his potential, but his 3.9 blocka per game is one-and-a-half more than Walker Kessler or Anthony Davis, the second and third on the list respectively.

And Wemby’s block average is 2.7 higher than Amen Thompson, one of eight players tied for the eighteenth highest in the league.

And Amen Thompson is the Western Conference Defensive Player of the Month for January.

Thompson averaged 2.17 steals and 1.47 blocks in January. According to NBA.com, “He was the only player in the league to have averaged at least 2.00 SPG and 1.00 BPG for the month.”

A quick check of Wemby’s stats on basketball-reference.com revealed that Victor played in twelve games In January accumulating 49 blocks and 15 steals. Thompson’s combined 26 steals and 17 blocks, or “stocks,” don’t even amount Wemby’s blocks alone.

Last month, Jaren Jackson, Jr., 2023’s Defensive Player of the year, edged out Wemby for Defensive Player of the Month for December. Apparently Jackson, Jr.’s 23 steals and 22 blocks in 14 games far surpassed Wembanyama’s 53 blocks and 8 steals in 12 games. Once again, Jackson’s “stock” total doesn’t match Wemby’s blocks.

What’s more, Victor Wembanyama visibly alters the game of his opponents, especially near the basket. Many players don’t even dare putting the ball up when he is anywhere in their peripheral vision. This should Jackson, Jr, who was blocked three times in their last meeting.

I’m sure there’s a more than solid chance Wemby could nab the Defensive Player of the Year for 2025, but it appears as if the league is not going to let it be a foregone conclusion.

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