Unfathomable Wembanyama stat foreshadows how devastating Spurs will be

The San Antonio Spurs may be under .500 but are still off to their best start in several years, largely due to their improved defense. They currently rank 11th in defensive rating, with Defensive Player of the Year frontrunner Victor Wembanyama helping to carry them on that end of the floor.

His rim protection has virtually put a lid on the rim, with him having a chance to become the first player in almost 30 years to average four blocks per game.

Not only that, but he has also effectively warded off drives while defending in the pick-and-roll. In his first 13 games of the season, he has yet to be scored on when guarding the roll-man in the pick-and-roll. Considering how often teams rely on those play types, not giving up even one alley-oop or an easy dunk to a big man cutting to the basket is impressive.

Wembanyama stopping big men from scoring against him in the pick-and-roll is impressive. However, it is interesting that he only contested nine shots in those situations while he is contesting 17.1 shots per game overall.

Spurs' Wembanyama has been one-man wrecking ball on defense

That may be due to a couple of things. One is that Wembanyama's man may not be setting as many screens since it would bring him into the play. Another potential reason is that Wembanyama is actually guarding his fair share of pick-and-rolls, but ballhandlers are passing out of those possessions rather than challenging him.

Either way, it makes it harder to score against the Spurs when teams are forced to choose between attacking him in the pick-and-roll and letting him shut down what is normally an efficient play that the entire NBA likes to run. Or, teams can try to keep him out of the play, but with him hanging out near the rim, they still have to worry about him in the paint.

Teams shoot 37.4% against him and 38.8% within five feet of the rim. That is a ridiculous number with teams shooting the equivalent of a 20-foot jumper around the rim with him lurking. 

With players such as Devin Vassell back and Jeremy Sochan eventually coming back, the Spurs' defensive personnel should improve around him. That bodes well for the team's defense and gives the team a chance to make the playoffs. It would also improve his chances of winning Defensive Player of the Year, and we know he wants it all. Well, it's coming.