Dwight Howard shares thoughts on Victor Wembanyama vs. Rudy Gobert debate

History was made following the reveal of the 2023-24 NBA Defensive Player of the Year, as Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert became just the third individual to claim the award for a fourth time in his career. The celebratory occasion was not met with universal agreement, however, with plenty of fans objecting on behalf of Victor Wembanyama.

The San Antonio Spurs sensation gave Gobert his just due before the winner was formally announced, but his league-leading 3.6 blocks per game caused many to endorse him for the award. A 60-loss season obviously made it difficult for voters to choose Wembanyama over Gobert– who boasts stellar advanced metrics while also anchoring the No. 1 team defense in the NBA this season.

The outcome of this race, which was more of a runaway (433 points-245 points), is sparking a debate among the basketball-watching world. Even a former star and DPOY winner is weighing in on the supposed controversy, before also finding a way to turn the focus on himself.

“I had Wemby winning but I love to see Gobert win another!” Dwight Howard posted on X. “I like to see history being made and greatness being achieved! I lost DPOY one year to someone that was 3rd team all defense while I was first. Now that’s a real snub but point is Wemby will be alright. Either way it’s a W for France.”

Rudy Gobert solidifies his legacy, Victor Wembanyama makes his mark

Howard, a three-time Defensive Player of the Year with the Orlando Magic, might be referencing the 2012 voting results, which saw Tyson Chandler earn the honors. Though, the then-New York Knicks big man was selected to the All-Defensive Second Team, not third. Moreover, Howard came in a distant third.

In any case, it is understood what the eight-time All-Star is saying. In the grand of scheme of things, it sounds hyperbolic to call Gobert’s win a robbery. Beyond the 2.1 blocks he averaged per night, the veteran altered countless shots and forced opponents to completely change their offensive philosophy with him clogging the paint.

Anthony Edwards rightly draws the most praise for the big leap the Timberwolves have made this season, but Rudy Gobert is an integral part of this franchise’s momentous run. But because of his Game 2 absence versus the Denver Nuggets in the NBA Playoffs, many fans will further argue that the team can dominate defensively without him on the floor.

Fellow players will attest to his skills, though. Regardless, Victor Wembanyama has a strong chance of seizing this award multiple times in the near future. For now, he and Gobert can take the utmost satisfaction in excellently representing their country.

France continues to assert its influence on the NBA

Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Like Dwight Howard said, this a historic moment for French athletes and citizens. Seeing two countrymen vie for one of the most coveted individual prizes in the sport validates the continuous impact the European nation has on the game.

The fact that the Defensive Player of the Year torch could be passed directly from Gobert to Wembanyama only enhances the pride that is currently beaming throughout L’hexagone. These 7-plus footers can keep the good vibes rolling and ensure that French basketball remains globally prominent by winning a Gold Medal at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games this summer.

In the meanwhile, Gobert is focused on fatherhood and lifting the Timberwolves to unseen heights in the NBA Playoffs. Expect Wembanyama to stay focused himself, as he works toward etching his name in next year’s Hakeem Olajuwon Trophy.