San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama took home the Defensive Player of the Year honors for the 2025-26 season. With this, he became the first player to win the award unanimously since the inception in 1982-83. Not only this, but the Frenchman also became the youngest player in league history to win the award at the age of 22. Notably, the Spurs’ center was second in the voting for DPOY as a rookie, and favorite last season until a medical condition ended his season prematurely.

The young lad opened up on the real struggle behind the win and said, “The real struggle might have been getting to 65 games.” He added, “But I’m super, super happy to win this award and actually super proud to be the first-ever unanimous,” Wemby told NBC Sports Network. Notably, Oklahoma City Thunder’s Chet Holmgren ranked second in the standings and Detroit Pistons’ Ausar Thompson grabbed third spot in the DPOY standings.

Notably, both Holmgren and Thompson led their respective sides to the No. 1 seeds in the playoffs. Coming back to Wembanyama, he led the league in blocks for the third straight year, along with steals and blocks combined, and defensive field goal percentage. He averaged 25 points, 11.5 rebounds, and a 101 defensive rating over 64 games while anchoring the Spurs' defense.

Dirk Nowitzki hails Victor Wembanyama, says he is ‘changing’ the game

German basketball legend Dirk Nowitzki heaped praise on Victor Wembanyama and said that he is “changing the game as we speak.” He added, "I've never seen anything like it. His defence is so good that he changes the game just by being on the court and taking away some of the layups and twos that other teams would usually take.”

Also Read | Victor Wembanyama to miss remainder of NBA 2024-25 season due to blood clot in right shoulder

On the other hand, Wembanyama credited his team and teammates for his success. He said, "We often overlook the team aspect. I'm sitting here. I happen to be the guy who's put in the spotlight, but I am part of a system, and I couldn't get this award, and I couldn't do what I do if it wasn't for my teammates ... and my coaching staff."

Notably, Wembanyama will now be in action in Game 2 of Playoffs Round 1 against Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday, April 21. The Spurs are currently leading the best-of-seven series 1-0.