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2w ago

Victor Wembanyama Becomes NBA’s First Unanimous Defensive Player of the Year

The 22-year-old’s unanimous win highlights the 65-game eligibility rule shaping this awards season.

Apr 19, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) warms up before the start of game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
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OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - APRIL 5: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder smiles after a play during the second half against the Utah Jazz at Paycom Center on April 5, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images)
Apr 19, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) warms up before game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Portland Trail Blazers at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

Overview

  • Wembanyama received all 100 first-place votes Monday, making him the youngest Defensive Player of the Year at 22.
  • He led the league with 3.1 blocks per game and 197 total, powering a 62-20 Spurs team that finished No. 3 in defensive rating.
  • Oklahoma City’s Chet Holmgren placed second and Detroit’s Ausar Thompson third, with winners chosen by a media panel before the playoffs.
  • Wembanyama met the NBA’s 65-game requirement after his NBA Cup final appearance counted toward eligibility.
  • He is also an MVP finalist with Nikola Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as the league rolls out more award winners during playoff broadcasts.