Historic Victory for Victor Wembanyama! NBA's First Unanimous Defensive Player of the Year
The French center of the San Antonio Spurs looks like he will win this award for several seasons.
Victor Wembanyama is no longer a promise: he is a dominant presence in the NBA. The San Antonio Spurs center was named Defensive Player of the Year, completing a historic season that confirms everything he himself anticipated since his arrival in the league.
At 22 years old, Victor Wembanyama became the youngest player to win the award and the first to do so unanimously. He received all 100 first-place votes, something never seen in the history of the award. A total acknowledgment of his impact on both ends of the court, but especially on defense, where he has single-handedly changed games.
This achievement also holds historical weight in San Antonio. Wembanyama is the first Spur to win the award since Kawhi Leonard, who achieved it in two consecutive seasons (2014-15 and 2015-16). A precedent that the Frenchman does not hide he wants to surpass, aspiring to start his own defensive dynasty.
His dominance did not come as a surprise. Already in his rookie year, when Rudy Gobert was named Defensive Player of the Year for the fourth time, Wembanyama left a prophetic statement: he acknowledged that the award was deserved for his compatriot but made it clear that it would be his turn next. Today, that prediction has come true.
In the final voting, the second spot went to Chet Holmgren, while Ausar Thompson completed the podium. However, the difference was colossal: Wembanyama left no room for debate.
The Frenchman led the NBA in blocks (197) for the second consecutive year and added 66 steals. Additionally, he ranked fourth in rebounds (11.5 per game) and second in defensive rebounds, only behind Nikola Jokic. His collective impact was also reflected in the Spurs, who finished with the second-best defensive rating in the league.
Beyond the numbers, his influence is felt on every possession. As his teammate De'Aaron Fox explained, Wembanyama not only alters shots but also prevents opponents from even daring to shoot. His presence completely disrupts the offensive dynamics of the opposition.
Still, the player himself wanted to share the credit, highlighting the collective effort of the team and coaching staff. For him, the award is also a result of the system surrounding him.
His journey has not been linear. Last season, he was unable to contend for the award due to not reaching the minimum of 65 games, missing 36 games due to a deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder. This year, having overcome that obstacle, he has shown that his potential is far from reached.
The recognition may not end there. Wembanyama is also a finalist for MVP alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jokic, reflecting his overall impact in the league.
Spurs Proud of Wembanyama
From within the locker room, assessments reinforce the sense of being in the presence of a generational talent. Keldon Johnson highlighted his work ethic and affirmed that this award is just the beginning.
Wembanyama had already finished second in the rookie voting, only behind Gobert. In his second opportunity, he left no doubts. Even before the results were known, he admitted that it would surprise him not to win by a unanimous decision.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, ¡Histórico Victor Wembanyama! Primer Defensor del Año de la NBA unánime
