Victor Wembayama has an underrated trait deserving more praise

Victor Wembanyama's video-game-like playoff stat line is a direct reflection of his elite all-around ability, but his most underrated skill is something that metrics can't capture. His unapologetic grit and tenacity separate him from his competitors.

We saw it in Game 1. In Hakeem Olajuwon-like fashion, he watched on as his Western Conference rival raised the MVP award in front of the crowd and responded with a performance for the ages. He dropped 41 points with 24 rebounds and three blocks while leading the Spurs to a clutch victory.

It's easy to focus on simple and advanced metrics, but the intangibles can be equally important. That's the case for Victor. The elaborate skill set he possesses at 7'4" is amazing, but his killer mentality is the ultimate method behind his madness.

Victor Wembanyama's hustle isn't talked about enough

Wemby does what very few star players do in the NBA. He's not afraid to embrace the nitty-gritty aspects of the game. Throughout this postseason, there have been countless times when he's put his body on the line to dive for loose balls. I mean, how many seven-footers are doing that?

I also appreciate his ability to get back into plays. If he doesn't convert on a bucket on the offensive end, he doesn't stall by dwelling on it or complaining about missed foul calls. Instead, he hustles back on defense to stop easy scoring opportunities in transition, which, quite frankly, is an area a few other star players struggle with.

You can even see it in the half-court. When Victor's defending in isolation, even if quicker guards beat him off the dribble, he's able to get back in the play and contest shots from behind. He's also extremely active and involved off the ball, covering a ton of ground.

Wemby's competitive mindset separates him from other big men

Skill is obviously a key factor for creating a dominant player, but the mindset is equally important. The NBA has seen its fair share of guys come through who had all of the tangibles to perform at a high level but lacked the killer instinct. That isn't the case for Wemby.

He isn't afraid to let opponents know after he makes big, game-shifting plays, either talking trash or igniting the home crowd. But more importantly, at just 22 years old, his energy rubs off on his teammates, making him the ultimate leader for the Spurs.

His being a mobile, skilled 7'4" center isn't the only thing that makes him special. It's his ability to blend those tangible assets with the right frame of mind, and that's why the Spurs are in a position to become the NBA's next dynasty and why he'll soon be seen as the best player in the world.

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