San Antonio Spurs centre Victor Wembanyama has claimed the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year award in historic fashion, becoming the first unanimous winner in its 43-year history after receiving all 100 first-place votes.
At just 22, the French star is also the youngest recipient and only the second player to secure the honour within his first three seasons, following Spurs great David Robinson.
Wembanyama dominated defensively, leading the league in blocks for a third straight year while also posting career-best averages in points and rebounds, helping San Antonio to a 62-20 record and the league’s third-ranked defence.
He finished ahead of Chet Holmgren and Ausar Thompson in voting, with praise from Dirk Nowitzki highlighting his transformative impact on games.
Victor Wembanyama 35 PTS, 5 REB, 2 BLK, 13/21 FG, 5/6 3FG, 75.4% TS vs Blazers
Playoff debut at 22 years old. pic.twitter.com/CnhAQlVnko https://t.co/RnRDp6Zztl
— Basketball Performances (@NBAPerformances) April 20, 2026
