Wembanyama historic triumph a unique addition to Spurs history with DPOY

The San Antonio Spurs have a long history of drafting defenders. Defense is one of the main staples for this organization, going back decades. They haven't just developed good defensive talent; they have nurtured historically great stoppers.

Kawhi Leonard won DPOY in back-to-back seasons as a member of the Silver and Black, while Tim Duncan boasts 15 All-Defensive selections, the most in NBA history. David Robinson was a master on both sides of the floor but his ability to disrupt offenses with his elite athleticism and world-class shot-blocking skills was undeniably spectacular.

Victor Wembanyama has added his name to the list of Spurs players to make a unique defensive impact that will be remembered by the NBA forever.

Whether Wembanyama wins the award or not, he has added to the history books

There is only one other rookie in the history of the league to finish their inaugural season as a finalist for the honor of Defensive Player of the Year, an award that was created in the 1982–1983 season, and that was Manute Bol in 1986. Bol finished the season in second place by averaging a ridiculous five blocks per game.

His block total makes you wonder how he could lose the award but when you understand how dynamic Spurs second-year star Alvin Robertson was that season, averaging almost four steals per game, you understand why he took home the award. Robertson made the second All-NBA team, won Most Improved Player and even received MVP votes that year. He was a special player.

Wembanyama won't be winning any MVP votes this year but he is still only 20 years old. Robertson and Bol were both 23 at the time of the award's announcement in 1986. It gives one perspective on how far Victor can go if he keeps his foot smashed on the pedal. Ending his career as the greatest defender of all time is reasonably on the table.