Victor Wembanyama dragged into latest Lakers controversy

Boston Celtics big man Neemias Queta wasn’t called for a goaltend against the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday night when he stuck his hand through the rim. JJ Redick wasn’t pleased. And when he discussed the play the following day, he noted that if the game was called that way, San Antonio Spurs big man Victor Wembanyama would be doing it on every play.

Obviously, Wembanyama wasn’t dragged into the drama in any malicious way. If anything, it was a funny comment noting just how insane Wembanyama’s defensive abilities are. But still, the Spurs star was brought up. And though it’s a silly conversation, it’s an interesting one to think about.

If goaltending was legal, could anyone score on Wembanyama?

How would Victor Wembanyama do if goaltending was legal?

The answer is probably yes. A quick pump-fake or pick-and-roll to drag him away from the rim would be enough to get the job done. But if goaltending were allowed, why would Wembanyama ever move away from the basket.

Mitch Johnson should just tell the Spurs star to sit under the rim on the defensive end, wait for a shot, and stick his hand through the rim to make sure the ball doesn't go in the bucket.

In fact, most big men around the league would probably be advised to do that, though few would be able to do it at the level of Wembanyama. His wingspan and height would make him more of a cheat code than he already is.

Obviously, that’s living in another dimension. The NBA will never get rid of goaltending. It would completely ruin the spot. But in all honesty, the Spurs should be glad the goaltending rule exists.

Sure, Wembanyama would be able to stop a bunch of shots around the rim, but so would so many other guys. What makes the Spurs star so special is his ability to utilize his wingspan to get around the goaltending rule.

Wembanyama doesn’t need goaltending to be legal. His defensive abilities are at their best when he’s blocking shots legally. And technically, Queta’s block will go down in the record books as a block.

It just… wasn’t.

The Spurs have one of the best players in the league on their team. Perhaps one of the best players in the last decade, depending on how he continues to progress. And it all starts on the defensive end.

Wembanyama is an incredible defender, and this certainly won’t be the last time he gets brought up in a random conversation about that side of the ball.