Oklahoma City Thunder Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Defensive Brilliance Puts Him in the Defensive Player of the Year Race Amidst Victor Wembanyama’s Absence

The Defensive Player of the Year award has long been reserved for some of the greatest defensive talents in NBA history. From Michael Jordan in 1988 to Kevin Garnett in 2008 and Giannis Antetokounmpo in 2020, the honor signifies dominance on the less glamorous end of the floor. Last season, Rudy Gobert secured his fourth Defensive Player of the Year trophy after edging out Bam Adebayo and Victor Wembanyama in the race.
With Victor Wembanyama out for the rest of the season due to deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder, the Defensive Player of the Year race has taken an unexpected turn. One name that’s starting to gain serious momentum? Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Known primarily for his scoring, Shai is now making a strong case as a defensive standout, proving that he’s just as impactful on the other end of the floor.

Victor Wembanyama was in the midst of a spectacular sophomore season before an unfortunate medical setback forced him to step away. The 7-foot-3 French sensation had established himself as a dominant two-way force, averaging 24.3 points, 11 rebounds, 3.8 blocks, and 3.7 assists per game. His ability to control the paint, disrupt offenses, and deliver highlight-reel performances every night quickly made him the frontrunner for the Defensive Player of the Year award. His breakout year also earned him his first All-Star selection, solidifying his status as one of the league’s brightest young stars.
NBA veteran Kevin Durant even praised Wembanyama during All-Star Weekend, calling him “one of the greatest we’ve ever seen,” as reported by The Statesman. However, just as he was cementing his place at the top of the Defensive Player of the Year race, his season was abruptly cut short due to deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder. With Wembanyama sidelined for the remainder of the season, the Defensive Player of the Year race has been blown wide open, creating an opportunity for other rising stars to stake their claim—including Oklahoma City Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander isn’t just a rising star—he’s becoming one of the most well-rounded players in the league. While his scoring ability has always turned heads, this season, he’s proving that his defensive game is just as strong. Averaging 1.9 steals and a block per game, the Oklahoma City Thunder guard has become a defensive powerhouse, making key stops and frustrating opponents with his quick reflexes and awareness. His all-around impact has been instrumental in Oklahoma City’s success, cementing him as one of the league’s premier two-way players.

His impact isn’t just about the numbers—it’s about how he elevates the entire team. He ranks third in the NBA in defensive win shares, a testament to his contributions on that end. But the real proof is in Oklahoma City’s defense—the Thunder boast the league’s best defensive rating, and that’s no coincidence. Shai’s ability to read the game, disrupt plays, and set the tone on both ends has been a game-changer.
According to ‘Fadeaway World', Shai currently ranks No. 5 in the Defensive Player of the Year race, trailing established defensive stars like Jaren Jackson Jr. and Evan Mobley. Jackson, last season’s winner, and Mobley, a key defensive piece for the Cavaliers, have long been known for their elite skills on that end. But now, Shai is proving he belongs in that conversation, showing he’s not just a scorer but a complete two-way threat.

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At just 26 years old, Gilgeous-Alexander is pushing into legendary territory. With Wembanyama sidelined, the Defensive Player of the Year race is wide open, and Shai’s two-way dominance is impossible to overlook. Whether or not he wins, one thing is clear—he has cemented himself as one of the most complete and impactful players in the NBA today.