Q&A: Defensive Player of the Year — Does Wemby Deserve It?
Defensive Player of the Year — Does Wemby Deserve It?
Question
To His Honor, our great master, may he live long and well.
What does the Rabbi think about the DPOY (Defensive Player of the Year) race in the NBA?
Some argue that Wemby deserves the title, even though he plays on a terrible defensive team, because his impact on the game is so great that in the minutes when he is on the court, his team ranks among the best in the league defensively.
On the other hand, many think Rudy Gobert deserves the title, if only because his team, Minnesota, plays better defense overall.
Personally, I think Wemby absolutely deserves it. He has an enormous impact on the game, including players who don’t even go up for an easy fast-break layup just because they’re afraid Wemby will get back on defense and block them. His stats are also more impressive: an average of three and a half blocks per game, and about one more steal per game on average than Rudy Gobert. He allows eight fewer points per hundred possessions when he’s on the floor.
What is the Rabbi’s opinion on the matter, and on Victor in general?
Answer
To my shame, I am not sufficiently expert in this weighty topic. In the playoffs I will make sure, God willing, to follow things more closely, as has been my custom since time immemorial. But as for your question: based on what you describe, it seems obvious to me that an individual title should be awarded on the basis of individual considerations. What difference does it make how the other lads there are playing?!