Victor Wembanyama has been named NBA Defensive Player of the Year, becoming the youngest winner in history and the first to claim the award unanimously.
The San Antonio Spurs star received all 100 first-place votes, underlining his impact at just 22 years old in only his second eligible season.
“The real struggle might have been getting to 65 games,” Wembanyama said. “But I’m super, super happy to win this award and actually super proud to be the first-ever unanimous.”
Wembanyama led the league in blocks for the second straight season, finishing with 197, while also contributing 66 steals and 11.5 rebounds per game.
Chet Holmgren finished second in the voting, while Ausar Thompson came third.
The achievement also places Wembanyama alongside previous Spurs winners such as Kawhi Leonard, who claimed the award in consecutive seasons in 2015 and 2016.
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Wembanyama fulfils prediction after rookie season
The award follows comments Wembanyama made during his rookie year, when he suggested Rudy Gobert’s run of success in the category would soon come to an end.
At the time, Gobert went on to win his fourth Defensive Player of the Year award, but Wembanyama has now taken over as the standout defensive presence in the league.
After missing out on eligibility last season due to injury, he returned this year to claim the honour in emphatic fashion.
Spurs team-mates praise Wembanyama impact
His team-mates were quick to highlight both his work ethic and influence on the court.
“Everything that he’s achieved so far has been earned and never given,” said Keldon Johnson.
“He’s one of the hardest workers I’ve ever been around. He takes his craft very seriously, and I feel like this is just a small token of what’s to come.”
Wembanyama, however, pointed to the collective effort behind his success.
“We often overlook the team aspect,” he said. “I’m sitting here, I happen to be the guy who’s put in the spotlight, but I am part of a system.”
Wembanyama eyes more NBA awards
Wembanyama is also in contention for the NBA MVP award alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic.
After becoming the first unanimous winner, attention will now turn to whether Wembanyama can build on this and establish a run of dominance similar to previous multiple-time winners.
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