Victor Wembanyama Shakes Up NBA Defensive Rankings

Wembanyama’s Historic Jump to No. 36

A three‑season phenom convinced a panel of NBA writers he belongs among the league’s all‑time defenders, landing at 36th place in Bleacher Report’s new 99‑spot list. The 22‑year‑old San Antonio star outranked established names such as Jrue Holiday, Marcus Smart, Joakim Noah, Tyson Chandler and Marc Gasol. His résumé includes 3.5 blocks and 1.1 steals per game, plus a 9.9 % career block percentage that highlights his shot‑denying prowess. The most striking note is that the ranking’s author suggested the spot could be too low.

How Bleacher Report Constructed Its Defender Rankings

The staff vote weighed traditional stats, advanced metrics, Defensive Player of the Year voting, All‑Defensive selections, peak dominance, longevity and the eye test. Longevity is the only category where Wembanyama currently lags behind. His 2025‑26 season produced a unanimous Defensive Player of the Year award, a 3.1‑block average and 9.5 defensive rebounds while logging just 29.2 minutes per game. He also earned his second straight All‑Defensive First Team honor. Analysts describe his presence as a “terrifying deterrent” that forces opponents to abandon drives before they reach the paint.

Stars Behind Wembanyama on the List

The ranking puts Wembanyama ahead of several legends, including Kobe Bryant (42nd), Patrick Ewing (46th) and Theo Ratliff (87th). Even active players like Bam Adebayo, Jaren Jackson Jr., Evan Mobley, Chet Holmgren, Alex Caruso, OG Anunoby and Derrick White sit below him. Jrue Holiday narrowly edged him for the No. 35 spot. The gap to the top five remains sizable, with Bill Russell, Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett, Hakeem Olajuwon and Ben Wallace occupying the early ranks.

What This Means for Wembanyama’s Future

Wembanyama already secured a first‑place vote from at least one panelist, a signal that some view his peak defensive ability as elite. At his current trajectory, a No. 36 ranking will likely not be his long‑term destination. The ranking’s author warned the list may be conservative, implying the final position could rise as his career progresses. If that warning proves accurate, the young center could soon join the upper echelon of NBA defenders.