Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama drops truth bomb on winning unanimous DPOY

Following what may have been his last San Antonio Spurs game of the regular season before the playoffs, ClutchPoints asked Victor Wembanyama if he would be surprised if he didn’t win the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year unanimously.

In pausing for four seconds before answering, the overwhelming favorite to capture the award did not hide his thoughts.

“Yes, I would, Wembanyama said, after a four-second pause. “Who are the other front-runners?”

Other media members then floated players who, for all intents and purposes, are vying for second place. Chet Holmgren,  Scotty Barnes, Ausar Thompson, even teammate Stephon Castle were named, before ClutchPoints told Wemby that the scattered collections of names and the long shots most of them are, essentially proved the initial question’s point.

"Yes, I would.
Who are the other front-runners?…"

-talked with Vic about whether he'd be surprised if he doesn't win #NBA Defensive Player of the Year unanimously#Spurs#PorVida pic.twitter.com/LeeUBB4GPo

— Hector Ledesma (@HectorLedesmaTV) April 11, 2026

Victor Wemabanyama opens up about season-long challenges

In playing his 65th game of the season, when you include the NBA Cup Final, Wemby met the NBA’s threshold to qualify for postseason honors. Though not the perceived front-runner, the league leader in blocked shots is also a contender for MVP.

How did Wemby overcome missing a dozen games at the end of 2025 to become eligible for regular-season awards?

“A tremendous amount of work,” Wembanyama admitted. “Lots and lots of talks with the medical staff, lots of figuring out the best plan. More I would say than any year of my career. Mental work to be able to play through pain or discomfort. But we made it.”

Following a 139-120 victory vs. the Dallas Mavericks, Wemby also said qualifying for such honors is as satisfying as it was tough.

“Very, very good,” Wembanyama said. “Feels like it’s a box that’s checked. This season, lots of things happened, and that’s a good conclusion to it.”

It’s a feeling that also comes from the way Wembanyama ended last year. Days after playing in his first NBA All-Star game, the then 21-year-old learned he’d miss the remainder of the season because of blood clots in his right shoulder.

“Means a lot. Means a lot more than people know,” Wembanyama said. “Coming back from a terrible place a little bit more than a year ago. And if I’m here today, it’s because of all the people that have allowed me to work through this and get better, and all the work that we’ve put in all year long. I wouldn’t be able to do what I’ve done this season if I hadn’t worked so hard in the summer.”

Up next for the generational talent are the playoffs. A pro in his native France since his teenage years, this will prove to be Wembanyama’s first foray into the NBA postseason.

“I’ve kept growing as a person. Learning things in life, in a career,” Wembanyama said. “I think we’re ready. We’re so excited. It’s becoming more and more real that we are actually going to play in the playoffs. I’m excited to play in high-stakes games again.”

The Spurs are the second seed in the West and will open against the conference’s seventh seed, which will be determined on April 14.

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