3 things the Mavericks must do to stop Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama

2. Play physical with Wembanyama on defense

The NBA world is enamored with Victor Wembanyama, and rightfully so. He is 7-foot-4 and moves like a guard. But, with great size, typically comes a lack of strength.

While Wembanyama has bulked up during the offseason, he still sports a very thin frame. Throughout the entire predraft process, the only nitpick on Wembanyama was his lack of weight to defend burlier centers such as Nikola Jokic or Joel Embiid.

It's assumed that these big men will be able to get the best of the San Antonio Spur by backing him down in the post, rather than attempting to score over his outstretched arms.

Although the Mavs don't have a post scorer to go at Wembanyama down low, they can take an alternative approach to Wemby's lack of strength.

Bodying Wembanyama on defense and throwing multiple defenders at him is another way to throw off his offensive game. He has shown the ability to score over defenders, no matter the size. So, it will be imperative to get under him, reminiscent of how smaller forwards defended Dirk Nowitzki in his heyday.

If Wembanyama gets too much space or only one defender, his scoring opportunities will come easy. Playing physical and attacking him whenever he puts the ball on the floor will be the key to stopping the French big man.