The NBA surrenders to Victor Wembanyama: favorite for MVP and a contender to dominate the league with the Spurs

The NBA is beginning to prepare for a potential era of Victor Wembanyama. The annual survey of the league's general managers, published this Thursday by NBA.com, places the French center and the San Antonio Spurs at the center of attention for the upcoming 2026-27 season. After winning 62 games and surprisingly reaching the NBA Finals last season, the Texas franchise appears as the leading favorite to win the championship.

However, the expectations are not limited to the team. Wembanyama, at 22 years old, has been identified as the top candidate to win his first MVP award and to become the best defender in the league once again. Additionally, the French player has received nearly unanimous support when executives were asked to choose a player on whom they would build a franchise from scratch.

93% of general managers would choose Wembanyama

One of the most striking results of the survey reflects how much consideration Wembanyama has gained within the NBA. 93% of general managers selected him as the player they would choose to start a project from scratch if they could sign any basketball player in the league.

The result confirms that the Frenchman has become one of the great references for both the present and future of the league. His combination of height, defensive ability, and offensive versatility makes him a difficult profile to find, influencing nearly every aspect of the game.

The confidence of the executives is also reflected in the individual voting. Wembanyama received 77% of the votes as the favorite to win the MVP for the 2026-27 season, well ahead of Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets, who received 10%, and Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves, with 7%.

The Frenchman was also chosen as the player who forces opposing coaches to make the most adjustments, the best international player, and the most versatile player in the NBA. A set of recognitions that demonstrates the stature he has reached among the sports executives of the franchises.

The Spurs, favorites for the ring ahead of Oklahoma City

Wembanyama's growth has been accompanied by the consolidation of San Antonio as one of the most promising projects in the league. After winning 62 games and reaching the Finals in 2026, the Spurs have been chosen as the top favorites for the 2027 title, although without an overwhelming dominance over their pursuers.

The Texas franchise received 50% of the votes from the general managers, narrowly surpassing the Oklahoma City Thunder, champions of 2025. The New York Knicks, reigning champions after winning the 2026 ring and considered favorites to win the Eastern Conference, also received support, along with the Philadelphia 76ers.

The result reflects that the executives expect a competitive season, but believe that San Antonio has the necessary arguments to take another step forward. The experience gained in recent playoffs and the development of their young talents fuel expectations around the team led by Mitch Johnson.

That said, reaching the Finals does not guarantee repeating success. The Spurs themselves are aware that returning to the final round will require maintaining their evolution and responding to the demands of a league in which several contenders have also strengthened their rosters.

Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle complete a future core

Wembanyama is not the only San Antonio player who received praise in the survey. Dylan Harper, selected second overall in the 2025 draft, was named the player most likely to have a breakout season, ahead of Cooper Flagg of the Dallas Mavericks.

Harper's presence reinforces the feeling that the Spurs are building more than just a team around a star. Their young core, consisting of Wembanyama, Harper, and Stephon Castle, was chosen as the most promising in the entire NBA.

Joining that group is Tobias Harris, a veteran forward who came to San Antonio during free agency. The general managers considered him the most underrated signing of the summer, another recognition for a franchise that seems to have found a balance between youth, talent, and experience.

The combination of these pieces could be decisive for the Texans' aspirations. Wembanyama is the main argument of the project, but the development of his teammates will be crucial in sustaining their championship bid.

The Sixers headline the best summer market

Although San Antonio deserves much of the recognition, Philadelphia also benefits from the survey. The 76ers were chosen as the team that moved best during the signing market after incorporating LeBron James and Jaylen Brown.

The franchise surpassed the Miami Heat and the Charlotte Hornets in this voting, thanks to two signings that raise expectations around their roster. However, when general managers were asked to identify the move that would have the greatest individual impact, the winner was Miami.

The trade of Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Heat was considered the move with the most potential to change the league's landscape. In this way, Philadelphia received recognition for the overall success of their moves, while Miami stood out for a specific acquisition.

The annual survey by NBA.com, which has been gathering the opinions of general managers for 25 seasons, includes 48 questions this year about players, teams, and recent operations. The results do not guarantee athletic success but provide a snapshot of the expectations within the franchises themselves.

And the message is clear: Victor Wembanyama is the great favorite to dominate the NBA, while the San Antonio Spurs appear to be the team that everyone will have to watch in the race for the 2027 ring.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, La NBA se rinde a Victor Wembanyama: favorito al MVP y candidato a dominar la liga con los Spurs