SAN ANTONIO. Victor Wembanyama was officially named Defensive Player of the Year 2025-26, becoming the youngest winner in the award's history and the first unanimous winner since the award's creation. The San Antonio Spurs star, just 22 years old, caps off a dominant season on the defensive end in the NBA.
The award recognizes a campaign in which Victor Wembanyama made an impact every night on both ends of the floor, but especially on defense. The French center led the NBA in blocks for the third consecutive season, constantly intimidated opponents in the paint, and altered countless opposing shots with his length and mobility.
The choice never appeared in doubt. After finishing second in voting as a rookie and having last season cut short by injury, Wembanyama returned this season determined to make his definitive mark. He accomplished it with complete authority, receiving 100% of first-place votes.
The other finalists for Defensive Player of the Year were Chet Holmgren of the Oklahoma City Thunder, and Ausar Thompson of the Detroit Pistons, both key pieces on teams that finished as conference leaders. However, the competitive gap was clear in favor of San Antonio's center.
The achievement also reinforces the historic weight of the San Antonio Spurs. The Texas franchise becomes the first with four different players who have won the award: Alvin Robertson, David Robinson, Kawhi Leonard, and now Victor Wembanyama.
Additionally, Wembanyama joins David Robinson and Michael Jordan as the only players to have won both Rookie of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year in their careers.