The debate over who truly deserves the title of the NBA's best defender has been heating up, especially with rising stars like Chet Holmgren and Victor Wembanyama dominating the conversation. But when Holmgren was asked directly, his answer surprised everyone—and it wasn't about himself or the French phenom.
Since Wembanyama joined the San Antonio Spurs in the 2023 draft, comparisons between the two towering talents have been inevitable. Both are young, versatile, and anchor their teams' defenses, sparking endless fan debates. This season, the buzz has only grown louder, with expectations of a potential playoff showdown between their squads adding fuel to the fire.
However, during a recent appearance on Serge Ibaka's "How Hungry Are You?" show, Holmgren shifted the spotlight away from the usual suspects. When the former NBA champion asked him to name the league's top defender, Holmgren didn't hesitate to give the nod to his Oklahoma City Thunder teammate, Cason Wallace.
"I think Cason is the best defender," Holmgren said. "If you're looking for somebody who can defend on ball but also off ball in the passing lanes, he's your guy. He can hound you 94 feet, get steals, and still play solid enough to force a miss. I'm a big fan of Cason."
Wallace entered the league in the same draft class as Wembanyama, selected 10th overall by the Dallas Mavericks before being traded to Oklahoma City. Despite Holmgren's high praise, Wallace wasn't in the running for Defensive Player of the Year honors—that award went to Wembanyama, with Holmgren and Ausar Thompson also in contention.
Still, Holmgren's own defensive impact hasn't gone unnoticed. His presence has been a cornerstone of the Thunder's identity on that end of the floor. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander drove that point home after a Game 2 win over the Phoenix Suns, saying, "Since the day Chet Holmgren played for the Thunder, we've been the first seed in the West. It's no coincidence. He anchors the best defensive team in the league."
Holmgren's shoutout to Wallace, combined with that ringing endorsement, underscores just how deep the Thunder's defensive talent runs. It's a reminder that sometimes, the best defender isn't the one making headlines—but the one making plays all over the court.