Victor Wembanyama gives drivers nightmares and this stat proves it

If you don't already believe Victor Wembanyama is the greatest defender in the NBA, I come today with more evidence to prove it.

No matter which way you shape it, the Alien is leading the pack. Through his first 117 games in the NBA, Vic has proved it time and time again. If you think he needs more time to establish himself, you can bet your bottom dollar that he will.

Whether you want to look at his absurd block numbers, his ability to defend any player on the basketball court, or the sheer fear he instills in his opponent, Wembanyama does it all. But if, somehow, you still don't believe me, wait until you hear this groundbreaking evidence.

Victor Wembanyama leads the league in contested shots at the rim

When diving into the deep basketball analytics around Victor Wembanyama, it is truly a sight to see. There are so many statistics that jump off the screen and help prove that the Spurs star is a one-of-one basketball player. But above all, his efforts around the rim and the way he uniquely changes the way his opponent plays the game are most impressive.

Last season, the big man contested an astounding 9.1 shots around the rim, leading the NBA in the category. Absolutely insane. In a league full of jump shooters and three-point shots, this level of pressure by Wembanyama has never been seen before.

When his opponent does make the bold decision to attack Wemby around the rim, they are only finishing at a low 50% clip. While that may sound like a lot, this number is among the best in the league. The defensive monster trails only a select few, with a much lower volume. Remember, Vic is the centerpiece of the Spurs' defense and was constantly around the rim, making this statistic even crazier.

To help contextualize, scoring at the rim is the most effiecent shot in basketball. Most big men shoot around 70% at the rim, while the rest score around 60%. Wembanyama is completely taking away a whole 10-20% from rim runners' success at the rim.

To put these numbers into words, don't go after the rim when Wembanyama is there. Just don't do it. You are better off trying to pull Wemby away or opting to shoot rather than testing the Frenchman in the paint. This completely shifts the opponent's game plan and forces them to win with the much more variable jump shot. As a whole, the alien is single-handedly carrying the Spurs' defense.

Wembanyama is an interior force like we have never seen before, and the stats back it up. Get your bets in on Vic to win his Defensive Player of the Year award this season because if he stays healthy, it shouldn't even be close.