Doc Rivers names best player he faced in the 2025-26 season, sparking MVP debate
· Yahoo Sports
Doc Rivers is one of the NBA’s most experienced coaches, having led teams to multiple deep playoff runs and winning the championship in 2008.
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His voice carries weight across the league and that is why his recent comments during a conversation with Bill Simmons may fuel debate.
While answering a question, Rivers offered a strong opinion that has added another layer to the ongoing MVP debate this season.
Doc Rivers says Victor Wembanyama is the best player he faced this season
Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty ImagesRivers identified Victor Wembanyama as the most difficult player he coached against this season, highlighting how unique the San Antonio Spurs star is.
He told Bill Simmons: “Wemby. It’s just so different and he does so many things. You have to prepare for him differently than anybody else. He can’t get behind you in the paint. If he does, they throw it up and there’s nothing you can do about it.
“You can beat him off the dribble at the free throw line but you’re not going to get the shot off. Manute Bol had that kind of coverage, where you thought you had him beaten, then you got to the rim and you would try to go under the rim to reverse it, to guard him, and he’s still got it.
“When you’re guarding him, all you’re doing is hoping he misses, because there’s nothing you’re doing defensively. I do think the guards would get up under him and get into his body. The stronger lower base guys have a better chance of guarding him than the longer guys. He’s just so talented. And he’s another guy that has Kobe’s, Michael’s mean streak. And I love that about him as well.”
Wembanyama is firmly in the MVP conversation, alongside Nikola Jokic. However, OKC’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is widely considered the current favourite.
Victor Wembanyama’s all-around impact strengthens MVP case
Wembanyama’s numbers underline why he is central to the discussion.
He is averaging 25 points, 11.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 3.1 steals per game this season, according to SofaScore. And his influence extends beyond scoring, with his defensive presence setting him apart.
In that context, the Frenchman is widely seen as the favourite for Defensive Player of the Year, reinforcing his all-around dominance.
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