The San Antonio Spurs and Cleveland Cavaliers squared off for the first time this season on Sunday with the Cavs grabbing the win, 117-115. The Cavs Jarrett Allen is one of the better defensive centers in the NBA and he was tasked with trying to guard Spurs rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama. While the Cavs emerged victorious, both Allen and Cavs guard Donovan Mitchell were gracious in their first impression of the Spurs big man as per Spencer Davies of Cavs Insider

“He's as advertised. I don't know if he's going to fill out like Giannis, or what it'll be . . . you can tell he's young so he's doing things that are like, oh you can see it. You can see what he will ultimately be,” Mitchell said. “He's already a defensive monster”

Added Allen, “I'm excited for him. He's going to have a long career in this league, he's talented, he can take people off the dribble, an excellent shot blocker, post up, he has it all. I'm happy for him and I hope he excels.”

Spurs standout Victor Wembanyama is currently one of the favorites for the NBA's Rookie of the Year Award. While Oklahoma City Thunder star Chet Holmgren certainly has a case, many feel like the award is Wembanyama's to lose.

This season, Wembanyama has been averaging 19.2 points per game, 10.1 rebounds, 2.8 rebounds, 1.2 steals and league-leading 3.2 blocked shots with splits of 44.9 percent shooting from the field, 29.1 percent shooting from the three point line and 78.6 percent shooting from the free throw line.