Josh Hart Discusses Spurs’ Defensive Strategy Including Victor Wembanyama

Josh Hart has a distinct perspective on how the Spurs might utilize Victor Wembanyama defensively.

“I guess it’s a good sign for me, right? This is the only time I’ve been unanimously named Defensive Player of the Year,” Hart remarked after practice on Sunday. “I mean, I think I’m a solid basketball player.”

It was clear he was being somewhat sarcastic. If the Spurs decide to place the 7-foot-4 Wembanyama on him, it’s likely to let him patrol the area, focus on defending the paint, and protect the rim.

Hart’s job will be to make them pay from the three-point line.

Other teams have guarded him in similar fashions, and during the regular season, the Spurs heavily invested in using Wembanyama’s unique skill set.

“For me, it’s about shooting with confidence or quickly making plays like dribble handoffs,” Hart explained. “If he’s under the basket, it’s mine to get [Jalen Brunson] an open look, or [Mikal Bridges], or [Karl-Anthony Towns]. It’s nothing we haven’t dealt with before. I feel comfortable making those plays.”

This postseason has been quite strong for Hart, who is averaging 11.4 points, 8.6 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 1.8 steals in 33 minutes of play.

However, his three-point shooting has been a bit shaky, with a percentage of 30.3 on about 4.7 attempts per game.

But there’s been improvement recently.

In his last five games, he’s hit 13 out of 32 attempts from beyond the arc.

“When a team takes a risk like Cleveland did, it can pay off,” Coach Mike Brown noted. “I tell Josh he’s working hard on his shooting and playmaking because he knows how he’s being defended. My message to him? Just let it fly. We believe in that.”

“So we understand they’re likely going to center on Josh defensively. If Wemby shifts over and the ball swings to Josh, he’s a smart decision-maker. If he’s open and knows what to do, we want him to take the shot,” Brown added.