First unanimous DPOY: Victor Wembanyama makes history as youngest defensive player of the year

Los Angeles: Victor Wembanyama, the standout centre for the San Antonio Spurs, was named the NBA Defensive Player of the Year on Monday, making history as the first player to win the award by a unanimous vote in its 43-year existence.

The French international, widely considered a generational talent who has propelled San Antonio into the ranks of league contenders, received all 100 first-place votes in the media ballot. Oklahoma City’s Chet Holmgren finished second in the voting, followed by Detroit’s Ausar Thompson in third.

At 22 years old, Wembanyama becomes the youngest player to ever receive the honour.

"I'm super, super happy to win this award and actually super proud to be the first-ever unanimous," Wembanyama told NBC Sports Network following the announcement.

A Dominant Physical Presence

Standing 7 feet 4 inches tall, Wembanyama has been touted as the future face of the NBA since the Spurs selected him with the first overall pick in the 2023 Draft. This season, he further solidified that reputation by blending elite defensive play with a formidable offensive game, placing him among the leading candidates for the NBA’s Most Valuable Player award.

The Frenchman led the league in blocks for the third consecutive season, averaging 3.08 per game, and was the primary factor in San Antonio achieving the No. 3 defensive rating in the league.

His impact was on full display Sunday during his postseason debut, where he recorded 35 points, five rebounds, and two blocks to lead the Spurs to a victory over the Portland Trail Blazers.

Revolutionising the Game

German basketball legend Dirk Nowitzki, speaking to AFP ahead of his induction into the FIBA Hall of Fame, remarked that Wembanyama is "changing the game as we speak."

"I've never seen anything like it," the former 2007 NBA MVP told AFP. "His defence is so good that he changes the game just by being on the court and taking away some of the layups and twos that other teams would usually take."

Despite the individual accolades, Wembanyama remained focused on the collective effort, attributing his success to the San Antonio organisation.

"We often overlook the team aspect," Wembanyama said. "I'm sitting here. I happen to be the guy who's put in the spotlight, but I am part of a 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."

With inputs from AFP