Welcome back to the official newsletter of Gil’s Arena. Each issue we share key highlights from our latest shows, exclusive behind the scenes info, basketball news, and more.

In this issue, we cover:

1. Wemby: ROY and DPOY?

2. Zach Edey’s NBA potential

Thanks for reading. — Gil

Wemby - ROY and DPOY?

I’m not afraid to say it (although this might not even be that controversial): Victor Wembanyama should win Rookie of the Year AND Defensive Player of the Year.

While it may not be controversial, it would make history, because a rookie has never won DPOY.

His stats reflect the incredible impact he has on the floor:

• The Spurs’ defensive ranking with Wembanyama on the court is 117.2. When he is off the court it is 123.1. And, over the Spurs’ last 15 games, their defensive rating with Wemby on the court is 106.0, which would rank first in the NBA.

• He’s #1 in blocks with 226, 50 more than Chet Holmgren in second place. This includes 21 games with five blocks.

• He’s #1 in “stocks” (steals + blocks) with 311, 63 more than Anthony Davis in second place. Rudy Gobert has never had more than 263 and he’s won DPOY three times.

For those of you arguing that he shouldn’t win because the Spurs are 18 - 57, so what? A team’s record should be completely irrelevant because DPOY isn’t a team award.

Is there any other reason (seriously, reply to this email), why wouldn’t he win DPOY?

Zach Edey’s NBA Potential

Look, I know he’s just a kid, and there’s no denying Edey has been absolutely dominant for Purdue.

But honestly, if a GM uses their lottery pick on Edey, I guarantee that GM is getting fired in a couple years. He’s too damn slow for today’s game and is going to be destroyed on pick and rolls every single defensive possession.

Lexi and Rashad did not agree with this take at all, with Rashad even going as far to bet Edey is going to be drafted in the top 14 (notice he didn’t want to put a price on the bet).

Still, the fact that he’s 21 and isn’t ready to perform at the NBA level right away (at least in my opinion) means he isn’t a good lottery draft pick.

Make sure to check out the full episode below.

Poster Of The Week

This poster by Isaiah Joe was disgusting and absolutely in contention for dunk of the year.