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DETROIT, MICHIGAN - FEBRUARY 23: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs reacts after making a shot against the Detroit Pistons during the first quarter at Little Caesars Arena on February 23, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
Another big performance today led to Victor Wembanyama admitting he still believes he has a chance at winning the MVP Award this season. Most pundits view Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as the strong favorite with Nikola Jokic, Cade Cunningham, and Jaylen Brown as the main names behind him most of the season. The San Antonio Spurs center has missed time due to injuries, but he can still qualify for awards if he plays most of his remaining games.
Wembanyama said the following today after a dominant performance led the Spurs to a 122-105 victory over the Charlotte Hornets:
“Right now, in my mind, [it] is taking great care of my body because I also want to win the MVP, and the DPOY. So, I’m trying to press the gas from now until the end of the season. Really take care of my treatment, take care of my sleep, take care of my routine, and show up for my team.”
Hoop Central
Victor Wembanyama:
“Right now in my mind is taking great care of my body cause I also want to win the MVP, and the DPOY. So I’m trying to press the gas from now until the end of the season.” 🔥🗣️
(h/t @ohnohedidnt24)
The goal is clearly there for Wembanyama to play the minimum 65 games to qualify for the end of season award voting. Both the MVP and Defensive Player of the Year awards were named by Wembanyama as his current goal to finish the season on a high note.
Is Wembanyama Still An MVP Candidate?
The other names discussed already are the ones usually mentioned on the ESPN and other top shows looking at realistic MVP candidates. Wembanyama does deserve at least some consideration due to the Spurs overachieving much higher than anyone predicted to enter this season.
San Antonio has emerged as a clear top two seed in the Western Conference during a rare season with many teams hoping to contend. The missed games of Wembanyama and the Spurs’ depth could hurt him against other candidates, but Vic is clearly the top superstar on that team.
The most recent NBA MVP Ladder from the league’s official site made some waves by listing Wembanyama as the second choice behind Gilgeous-Alexander. Jokic fell from that second favorite spot due to the Denver Nuggets struggling in recent weeks. Wembanyama’s words about pushing the gas to finish strong could make him the hot name to challenge Shai.
Can Wembanyama Win Defensive Player of the Year?
The Defensive Player of the Year Award was also named by Wembanyama as one of his goals to complete the season strong. Wembanyama is currently a massive betting favorite to win the award, with Chet Holmgren and Rudy Gobert distantly behind them.
The award is going to Wembanyama unless he suffers another injury to fall below the 65 games minimum. Many believe that Wembanyama would have won the award last season if he didn’t fall short of the games played and still made a stronger defensive impact in fewer games than the winner Evan Mobley did.
Wembanyama is going to be the favorite for DPOY every single season until he suffers a decline or someone else enters the league with similar potential. San Antonio already had all-time great defender Tim Duncan, but Wembanyama’s potential would see him reaching an even higher tier as potentially the greatest defensive player ever.