San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama has been named the 2025-26 NBA Defensive Player of the Year, according to @ShamsCharania. The announcement marks a historic milestone for the young star and the San Antonio Spurs organization.
By securing the award for the 2025-26 season, Wembanyama becomes the youngest player in NBA history to be named Defensive Player of the Year. His defensive dominance was a hallmark of the Spurs' season, as he consistently anchored the team's interior defense and led the league in rim protection metrics.
The French phenom's achievement surpasses previous records for youth in this category, further cementing his status as a generational defensive talent. Wembanyama was considered the frontrunner for the award throughout the season due to his high block totals and unique ability to defend both the paint and the perimeter at a high level.
The NBA is expected to release the full voting breakdown, including the runners-up and total point tallies, later this evening. This win adds another major trophy to Wembanyama's professional resume following his entry into the league as a number one overall pick.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Sources & Original Reporting
