Victor Wembanyama's DPOY reign begins with unanimous honor

Based on Wembanyama's remarkable start to his NBA career, Monday's DPOY win should be the first of many. Per Stathead research, his 627 career blocks are the most by a player in his first three seasons in 30 years, and only eight players have had more since 1971-72.

At 7-foot-4 and with an eight-foot wingspan, Wembanyama is one of the more difficult players to go against. Per NBA.com data, opponents shot 42 percent with Wembanyama on the court in 2025-26, the lowest among players qualified for end-of-season award voting.

As good as Wembanyama already is defensively, he'll likely only get better as he enters his prime. Three players (Dikembe Mutombo, Ben Wallace, Rudy Gobert) are tied for the most DPOY wins all-time (four), and it would be no surprise if Wemby one day surpasses them, perhaps as soon as in five years.

The one thing that could get the star center's way is health. He just reached the 65-game threshold for season awards, playing in 64 games plus the NBA Cup finals to become eligible. Wembanyama missed time this season due to several injuries, including a left calf strain, hyperextended left knee, an ankle injury and rib contusion. His 2024-25 season was cut short after being diagnosed with a blood clot.

Other than injuries, it's hard to envision a scenario where Wembanyama isn't a mainstay atop DPOY voting for many seasons to come.

Hailed as a generational prospect, Wembanyama, who is also a first-time MVP finalist this season, has somehow surpassed his lofty pre-draft expectations. It would be foolish to put a cap on what he can accomplish.

Monday may have marked Wembanyama's first DPOY honor. Chances are, it won't be his last.