San Antonio Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama is rapidly ascending in the NBA, and with that rise comes a bold ambition: contention for the Most Valuable Player award. As the regular season nears its conclusion, the 20-year-old Frenchman finds himself in a conversation alongside reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder, three-time winner Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets, and scoring sensation Luka Dončić. Wembanyama aims to become the youngest MVP in league history and the first French player to claim the honor.
The 7’4” phenom believes he has a compelling case, stating, “There are a lot of arguments for me, but I prefer to let the game speak for itself.” The question now is whether that game will speak loudly enough to sway the media panel of 100 voters who ultimately decide the award.
A Defensive Force with Offensive Potential
Wembanyama’s unique combination of size and mobility has quickly established him as a defensive disruptor. Currently averaging three blocks per game – leading the NBA – he alters shots and deters opponents from attacking the basket. This defensive prowess is a key component of his MVP argument, particularly when contrasted with the offensive focus of players like Gilgeous-Alexander, Jokic, and Dončić, who aren’t known for their defensive contributions.
“He is dominant without necessarily needing to score 60 points, without needing to force things,” noted five-time NBA champion Derek Fisher in an analysis for Sports Illustrated. This ability to impact the game on both ends of the court is what sets Wembanyama apart.
Although, scoring remains an area for potential growth. Wembanyama currently averages 24.3 points per game, significantly lower than Dončić (33.4 points) and Gilgeous-Alexander (31.6 points). Some argue that pure scoring isn’t the sole determinant of MVP value. As veteran Los Angeles Clippers player Nicolas Batum pointed out, “If you don’t know the fundamentals of the game, scoring is all that matters.” Batum further emphasized Wembanyama’s impact even in lower-scoring games: “There are games where he puts up 12 points, but he’s still the best player, just because defensively, he’s a monster.”
The Spurs’ Resurgence Fuels the Debate
Wembanyama’s MVP candidacy is bolstered by the San Antonio Spurs’ impressive turnaround this season. After years of rebuilding, the Spurs have secured a playoff berth with a 53-18 record, trailing only the Oklahoma City Thunder (56-15) in the Western Conference standings. This team success is often a crucial factor in MVP voting.
The Spurs have won 18 of their last 20 games and boast the NBA’s No. 1 offense since the All-Star break. Their net rating trails only Atlanta. They’ve secured wins against the Thunder, Boston Celtics, and Los Angeles Lakers, demonstrating their ability to compete with the league’s elite.
According to Sports Illustrated reporter Chris Mannix, if the Spurs can overtake the Thunder for the top seed in the West, it will be difficult for voters to deny Wembanyama the award. “If they catch Oklahoma City, it will be hard not to vote for him,” Mannix stated.
Gilgeous-Alexander Remains a Strong Contender
While Wembanyama’s case is gaining traction, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander remains a formidable opponent in the MVP race. On January 14, 2026, Gilgeous-Alexander led the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 119-98 victory over the San Antonio Spurs, finishing with 34 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 blocks. Notably, he punctuated the win with a spectacular block on Wembanyama himself, a moment that underscored the competitive dynamic between the two stars. The NBA.com live blog highlighted this key play.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s consistent scoring and all-around contributions have been instrumental in the Thunder’s success. He currently averages 31.6 points per game and is a key component of a team vying for the top spot in the Western Conference.
What’s Next for Wembanyama and the MVP Race?
With roughly ten games remaining in the regular season, Wembanyama has an opportunity to further solidify his MVP credentials. The Spurs’ schedule includes several key matchups against Western Conference contenders, providing Wembanyama with a platform to showcase his skills on a national stage. The team’s next game is on March 24th against the Memphis Grizzlies.
The coming weeks will be crucial as voters weigh Wembanyama’s unique impact against the established track records and statistical dominance of Gilgeous-Alexander, Jokic, and Dončić. The race for the MVP award is shaping up to be one of the most compelling in recent NBA history, and Victor Wembanyama has positioned himself as a legitimate contender.
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