Victor Wembanyama wins NBA Defensive Player of the Year unanimously
Updated
Updated · The Wall Street Journal · May 2
Victor Wembanyama wins NBA Defensive Player of the Year unanimously
10 articles · Updated · The Wall Street Journal · May 2
The San Antonio Spurs 7-foot-4 centre is the first player in league history to sweep every vote for the award.
The Wall Street Journal said his impact extends beyond blocks, with opponents often abandoning drives to the basket when he is nearby.
The honour cements Wembanyama's status as one of the NBA's most disruptive defenders and highlights his rapidly growing influence on both ends of the court.
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Victor Wembanyama’s Historic Unanimous Defensive Player of the Year Win and Spurs’ Defensive Transformation in 2026
Overview
In April 2026, Victor Wembanyama made NBA history by becoming the youngest and first-ever unanimous Defensive Player of the Year, receiving all 100 first-place votes. Despite a late-season rib injury threatening his eligibility, he secured qualification by playing a crucial penultimate game. His elite rim protection, versatile defense, and ability to guard multiple positions transformed the San Antonio Spurs into a top-three defensive team, leading them to a 62-win season and a deep playoff run. This defensive dominance also propelled Wembanyama into the 2026 MVP race, marking him as a generational two-way talent and the cornerstone of the Spurs’ rise to championship contention.