Wembanyama for MVP? Green Backs Him: “You Have to Speak Up to Get Noticed”

In the ever-heated debate surrounding NBA awards, Draymond Green’s comments spark a broader reflection: how much is defense truly valued in modern basketball?

Following the Golden State Warriors’ win over the Brooklyn Nets, the forward addressed the media buzz created by Victor Wembanyama, who publicly made his case in the MVP race.

Wembanyama’s Message: “Defense Really Matters”

After the San Antonio Spurs’ win over the Miami Heat, Wembanyama built a strong MVP case around three key points:

• a favorable 4-1 record against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Oklahoma City Thunder
• offensive impact that goes beyond scoring
• and above all, his defensive dominance, now widely recognized across the league

The quote that made the most noise? “Defense is 50% of the game”

A statement that, to many, sounded almost like a revelation. And that’s exactly what didn’t sit right with Green.

Green: “Crazy That It Needs to Be Said in 2026”

Green didn’t hide his mixed feelings: on one hand, appreciation for Wembanyama’s boldness; on the other, frustration with the overall reaction.

He said defense is half the game… and everyone reacted like it was some kind of discovery. Did nobody realize that before?

Draymond Green

The Warriors veteran called the situation a true “indictment of basketball”, pointing out how the defensive side is often ignored until someone explicitly brings it into focus.

His comparison with Luka Doncic is telling:

Everyone’s ready to criticize him when he doesn’t defend the way they expect. Then there are guys who defend entire teams, and nobody notices… until they say it themselves

Draymond Green

Self-Promotion and Awards: An Inevitable Reality

Green knows the system well. Last year, he pushed hard into the Defensive Player of the Year race, finishing third after a well-orchestrated media campaign.

For him, the concept is simple:

If you don’t talk about it, people don’t see it. Watching games isn’t enough – not everyone understands what’s really happening

Draymond Green

A point that also applies to elite defenders like Evan Mobley, who are often overlooked until they take a public stance.

MVP and DPOY: Wembanyama’s Dual Race

Right now, Wembanyama is widely considered the clear favorite for Defensive Player of the Year, while he still trails in the MVP race, where Shai Gilgeous-Alexander remains the frontrunner.

There’s also a technical factor: to qualify for end-of-season awards, the French star must play at least 7 of the final 10 games.

If he does, the head-to-head matchup with Green’s Warriors could become one of the final narrative turning points of the season.

Green’s Final Take

Despite his criticism of the system, Green closed with clear respect:

I tip my hat to him. He explained why he deserves it. He didn’t dodge the question. He understood that if you don’t do it yourself, no one will do it for you

Draymond Green

Now it shifts back to the court: Victor Wembanyama must finish the season strong and fully seize the spotlight. Defensive Player of the Year is within reach – MVP, much less so…