The NBA has a new milestone in its recent history. For the first time since the award was created in the 1982-83 season, a player has been unanimously chosen as the best defender of the year. The protagonist is Victor Wembanyama, pivot of the San Antonio Spurs, who received the full support of the 100 voters.
The recognition comes in a campaign in which the French player left a clear mark on both sides of the field. At just 22 years old, he also became the youngest winner of the award, consolidating an evolution that had already shown signs since his rookie season.
Wembanyama accumulated 500 points in the final vote, surpassing Chet Holmgrenfrom Oklahoma City Recount, already Ausar Thompsonfrom the Detroit Pistons, who completed the podium after contributing to the performance of their teams in the new season.
Defensive dominance and comeback after adversity
The center’s impact was reflected in numbers and constant presence. Led the league in blocks with an average of 3.1 per game, an achievement he achieved for the third consecutive season. To this he added averages of 25 points and 11.5 reboundsconsolidating a comprehensive performance.
During the previous season, the Frenchman was close to winning this same recognition, although one thrombosis in the shoulder interrupted his participation and stopped his aspirations. In that context, his return left no room for doubt.
“The real struggle may have been reaching 65 games,” Wembanyama said in statements to NBC Sports actions Network, in reference to the minimum required to be eligible for the prize. “But I am very, very happy to win this award and really very proud to be the first to do it unanimously.”
The player’s performance was also decisive in the advancement of his team. San Antonio secured its return to the playoffs for the first time in seven seasonsafter closing the campaign with a steadiness of 62 wins and 20 losses.
Recognitions and upcoming announcements
Wembanyama’s influence is not limited to this award. The Frenchman, who had already been named Rookie of the Year in 2024, is now among the finalists for the Most Valuable Player (MVP)next to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic.
From those around him, there was also recognition of his impact. “The best player in the world”said his teammate Keldon Johnson, in statements collected during the day.
The league will continue in the coming days with the delivery of other individual awards. Among them, the best player in decisive moments, where they compete Anthony Edwards, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jamal Murray.
Amid these announcements, Wembanyama’s season is marked as one of the most dominant in the defensive section, backed by numbers, collective results and unprecedented recognition.
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