Victor Wembanyama makes NBA history as first unanimous Defensive Player of the Year winner
Apr 19, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant (9) drives to the basket against San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) during the second half of game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
Victor Wembanyama has etched his name in NBA history books. The San Antonio Spurs sensation was named Defensive Player of the Year on Monday night, becoming the first player ever to win the prestigious award unanimously. At just 22 years old, the 7-foot-4 phenom also claims the distinction of being the youngest DPOY winner in league history.
The French superstar’s path to this historic achievement was paved with bold confidence. Just before fellow Frenchman Rudy Gobert claimed his fourth DPOY award at the end of Wembanyama’s rookie season in 2024, the then-20-year-old made a prophetic statement that has now come to fruition.
A prediction fulfilled with unanimous support
« I know that Rudy has a very good chance of winning it this year, and it would be deserved, » Wembanyama said at the time in French. « Let him win it now, because after that, it’s no longer his turn. »
Those words have proven remarkably prescient. Wembanyama earned all 100 first-place votes from the media panel, a feat never before accomplished in the award’s history. Oklahoma City’s Chet Holmgren finished second with 76 second-place votes, while Detroit’s Ausar Thompson rounded out the top three.
The achievement marks a significant milestone for the San Antonio franchise as well. Wembanyama becomes the Spurs’ first DPOY winner since Kawhi Leonard captured back-to-back honors in 2014-15 and 2015-16. The young star has already expressed his intention to reignite that trend, perhaps with even more consecutive victories than his predecessor.
Wembanyama’s defensive dominance was on full display during his playoff debut against the Trail Blazers on Sunday. He recorded two blocks in the contest, but his impact extended far beyond the box score. According to ESPN Research, Portland‘s shooters went scoreless on 11 attempts when Wembanyama was the contesting defender, showcasing the intimidating presence that has made him the league’s premier defensive force.
This unanimous selection represents not just individual excellence, but a changing of the guard in NBA defense, with Wembanyama now positioned to dominate the award for years to come.
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