Defense is about effort. That is the mantra that teams have had since time immemorial. But, some things seem rather obvious. A size advantage is going to lead to better defense due to the sheer area coverage. However, with one graphic, a former NBA big man turned analyst may have dispelled that notion. Because, drawing a comparison to 7’4″ Victor Wembanyama in a similar defensive statistic was a 6-foot 1 point guard for the Houston Rockets.

Fred VanVleet has always been among the better defenders from the lead guard role. However, that knack shows itself in the box score in terms of steals and effort plays. Due to his incredible hustle, VanVleet gets the pesky label to his name. But, Ryan Hollins brought up an interesting discussion recently.

Watch This Story: Warriors Rookie Trayce Jackson-Davis Poses Threat To ROTY Contenders Victor Wembanyama And Chet Holmgren

Over the last 3 weeks, Fred VanVleet has been among the best shot blockers in the league. At 6’1″, it is an incredible feat for the 2019 NBA Champion. But, tied with him in that timeframe, less surprisingly, is the San Antonio Spurs’ rookie sensation.

However, he isn’t the only one. At 22, alongside the two players from Texas are Brook Lopez and Rudy Gobert. The Frenchman happens to be a 3x Defensive Player of the Year, with the potential for a 4th this season. Lopez, for his part, was top in DPOY voting just last season. So, to see FVV in that class is an accomplishment all on its own.

Perhaps, that adage about effort was true after all. However, there was another wrinkle to his picture. Even though his idea was promoting the Rockets star, it may have given fuel to the Rookie of the Year race too.

Victor Wembanyama vs Chet Holmgren

At the top of the list was Chet Holmgren with 28 blocks. The 2022 selection has been the one contender to Wemby’s ROTY throne. And, with another graphic in his favor, the race might continue to tighten up. After all, both sides have incredibly valid arguments and not just the Bol Bol comparisons.

For the French sensation, it is the expectations, the lack of support around him, and the focus of the entire defense on him, leading to triple teams already, making his task as difficult as it’s ever been for a rookie. For him to continue to flourish and put up insane numbers is a testament to his greatness.

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Holmgren, however, has him beat in the efficiency numbers and, with a better team around him, in overall winning as well. With the season ramping into 3rd gear, which of the two is going to win, or is a new contender going to emerge?

Shaquille O’Neal Finally Hops on Victor Wembanyama’s Bandwagon After TNT Confronts Him With Tough Choice