Victor Wembanyama was crowned Defensive Player of the Year, and the San Antonio Spurs might have to move on from the coach who got them there.
The San Antonio Spurs boasted the third-best defense in the NBA this season, in large part thanks to Victor Wembanyama. His individual defensive rating of 101.0 was the best in the league, three full points better than Chet Holmgren's. Last season, Wembanyama posted a mark of 107.7.
His leap forward on the defensive end was predictable, but it was not without support. Granted, Wembanyama was drafted as the best defensive prospect of all time, but it took roster improvement to fully unleash his defensive potential.
On Monday, he was awarded his first career Defensive Player of the Year Award and made sure to give his teammates some props.
Now, on Tuesday, the Spurs lost to Portland to even this Round 1 playoff series at 1-all. ... oh, and Wemby sustained a concussion that raises questions about his Game 3 availability.
But on the court, when all is right?
He recently revealed that the Spurs might have this offseason's most coveted asset.
Spurs Boast Top NBA Asset
After their successful regular season, no one really expects the Spurs to make any trades. They will get the Atlanta Hawks' pick in the draft, and Harrison Barnes and Kelly Olynyk will both be free agents. While the Spurs will improve around the margins in free agency, they are largely expected to run things back.
They might not be able to keep one of their best assets, and Wembanyama gave him a shout-out while accepting his DPOTY award.
"I think we often overlook the team aspect," said Wembanyama on NBC. "I happen to be the guy who's put in the spotlight, but I am part of the system. And I couldn't get this award, and I couldn't do what I do if it wasn't for my teammates, who actually do the rotations and allow me to be in the spotlight. If it wasn't for my coaching staff, you know, Sean Sweeney, the defensive coach of our team, and Mitch Johnson as well. I fit in a system, and I happen to be the guy who benefits from it."
Sean Sweeney has long been one of the better defensive masterminds in the league, spending time as an assistant with the Nets, Bucks, Pistons, and Mavericks. A longtime fixture of Jason Kidd's staff, he resigned from his post in Dallas last offseason to pursue an associate head coaching job with the Spurs.
He will likely be a head coach candidate this summer, and if an attractive job opens up, the Spurs might struggle to keep him.
If Sweeney accepts a head coaching job, the Spurs' team defense might take a small step back. However, with Wembanyama anchoring them on the floor, they should remain elite for the next decade and more.