By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
In a historic landslide, San Antonio Spurs phenom Victor Wembanyama has been named the 2025-26 Kia NBA Defensive Player of the Year. Monday’s announcement marks a milestone as Wemby became the first player to win the Hakeem Olajuwon Trophy by unanimous vote since the award’s inception in 1982-83. At just 22, he is also the youngest recipient of the honor.
Reflecting on the season’s physical toll and the prestige of the vote, Wembanyama told the NBA on NBC crew, “The real struggle might have been getting to 65 games, but I’m super, super happy to win this award, and actually super proud to be the first ever unanimous.”
His dominance was undisputed among the global media panel of 100 voters, earning a perfect 500 points, distancing himself from finalists Chet Holmgren and Ausar Thompson. This mastery is the result of lifelong focus. “It’s something I’ve been working on forever,” he mentioned. “It’s probably the area in the game where I feel most comfortable.”
Despite the individual glory, he credited the Spurs’ infrastructure. “I am part of the 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,” he explained, specifically highlighting defensive coach Sean Sweeney and head coach Mitch Johnson.
The voting also recognized established anchors with fellow French big and four-time winner Rudy Gobert of the Minnesota Timberwolves finishing fourth with 41 points, while Great Britain’s OG Anunoby of the New York Knicks earned four points.
Beyond this accolade, the Le Chesnay native remains a frontrunner for the Kia NBA MVP award.