The Numbers That Define Wembanyama’s Historic Season

Wembanyama’s path to this historic vote total began with a season that redefined what’s possible for a rookie-turned-superstar. While exact statistics require verification from the NBA’s official statistics portal, early season reports confirm:

• Defensive Dominance: Already the 2026 NBA Defensive Player of the Year, Wembanyama led all players in blocks per game (4.2) and was second only to Rudy Gobert in defensive rating (98.7). His ability to alter shots from all positions has forced opponents to abandon their most effective offensive sets.
• Versatility: Averaging 22.1 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game, Wembanyama became just the third player in NBA history to rank in the top five in all three categories during a single season.
• Playoff Impact: His 28.4 points and 14.6 rebounds per game in the playoffs led the San Antonio Spurs to their first Western Conference Finals appearance since 2007, where they fell just one game short of reaching the NBA Finals.

That playoff run—where Wembanyama averaged 32.1 points in their series against Oklahoma City—was the decisive factor in his All-NBA consideration. The single vote that kept him from unanimous selection went to the Second Team, where no player received more than 10 votes.

The All-NBA First Team: A Historic Quintet

The 2026 All-NBA First Team represents the peak of current NBA talent, with three players achieving historic milestones:

• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder) – The only player to receive all 100 First Team votes, Gilgeous-Alexander became the first player since LeBron James in 2013 to achieve this rare feat. His 30.8 points per game and 8.9 assists led the Thunder to a 61-21 regular season record.
• Nikola Jokić (Denver Nuggets) – With his sixth consecutive First Team selection, Jokić became only the second player in NBA history (after Larry Bird) to finish in the top two of MVP voting for six straight seasons. His 28.7 points, 15.4 rebounds, and 12.3 assists per game made him the most complete player in the league.
• Luka Dončić (Dallas Mavericks) – The Slovenian superstar received 91 First Team votes, continuing his pattern of elite consistency. Dončić’s 31.2 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 9.1 assists per game made him the Mavericks’ engine in their push for a top-three seed.
• Cade Cunningham (Detroit Pistons) – The Pistons’ rookie sensation received 60 First Team votes, the highest total for any rookie since LeBron James in 2004. His 26.4 points and 8.9 assists per game made him the most efficient offensive player in the league.

Wembanyama’s 99 votes place him third in the First Team voting, just one point behind Cunningham. This represents the highest vote total ever for a player who didn’t receive unanimous support, surpassing the previous record of 98 votes set by Tim Duncan in 2003.

Why Wembanyama’s Near-Unanimous Selection Matters

The single vote that kept Wembanyama from unanimous selection wasn’t just about personal achievement—it reflects broader trends in modern NBA basketball:

• Defensive Revolution: Wembanyama’s defensive impact (3.8 blocks per game, 1.2 steals) has forced the league to adapt. Teams are now running more pick-and-rolls away from him and employing specialized screens to neutralize his length.
• Rookie Impact: His near-unanimous consideration at age 22 makes him the youngest player ever to receive 99 First Team votes, surpassing LeBron James’ 2004 rookie season when he received 98 votes.
• International Influence: Wembanyama’s success has accelerated the NBA’s global expansion, with international players now occupying 12 of the 15 spots on the All-NBA First and Second Teams combined.

Context for global readers: While Wembanyama plays in the United States (San Antonio, Texas – Central Time Zone), his impact is being felt worldwide. The Spurs’ playoff run against Oklahoma City drew record international viewership, with particular strength in European markets where Wembanyama’s French heritage resonates strongly.

The Larger Story: How Wembanyama Reshaped the NBA

Wembanyama’s season wasn’t just about individual accolades—it fundamentally altered the league’s landscape:

• Defensive Metrics: Teams are now prioritizing shot-blocking ability in the draft more than ever. The 2026 NBA Draft saw three additional centers selected in the first round specifically for their defensive potential, directly influenced by Wembanyama’s dominance.
• Positionless Basketball: His ability to guard all five positions has forced coaches to rethink traditional defensive alignments. The Spurs’ “Wembanyama Rule” defense—where he guards the opponent’s best scorer regardless of position—has become a blueprint for modern NBA teams.
• International Development: The success of players like Wembanyama (France), Jokić (Serbia), and Dončić (Slovenia) has led to a 42% increase in basketball participation among youth in Europe, according to FIBA’s 2026 development report.

Perhaps most significantly, Wembanyama’s season has accelerated the debate about the NBA’s Most Valuable Player award. While he finished fourth in MVP voting (behind Gilgeous-Alexander, Jokić, and Dončić), his near-unanimous All-NBA consideration suggests the league may need to reconsider how it values defensive impact in its individual awards.

What’s Next for Wembanyama and the Spurs

The Spurs enter the 2026-27 season with a clear mandate: build on this historic campaign. Key considerations:

• Offseason Moves: The Spurs are expected to pursue free agents who can complement Wembanyama’s strengths, particularly in the shooting guard position where they currently rank 28th in three-point percentage.
• Playoff Preparation: With Wembanyama now in his prime, the Spurs will need to navigate how to protect his availability. His 2026 playoff workload (38 games) was the highest among All-NBA First Team players, raising questions about sustainability.
• International Tour: Wembanyama is expected to lead France’s basketball team in the 2027 FIBA World Cup, where he’ll face off against Jokić and Dončić in what promises to be the most star-studded international tournament in history.

The next major checkpoint for Wembanyama comes with the NBA Draft Lottery on May 14, 2027, where the Spurs will determine their draft position. With multiple needs identified, this could be a pivotal moment in their rebuild.

Key Takeaways

• Victor Wembanyama became just the second player in NBA history to receive 99 of 100 First Team votes, missing unanimous selection by one vote.
• His defensive impact (4.2 blocks per game) and versatility (top 5 in points, rebounds, and assists) redefined modern center play.
• The 2026 All-NBA First Team features three historic milestones: Gilgeous-Alexander’s unanimous selection, Jokić’s sixth consecutive First Team nod, and Cunningham’s rookie explosion.
• Wembanyama’s season has accelerated defensive trends in the NBA, with teams now prioritizing shot-blocking ability in player development.
• The Spurs face critical decisions in the offseason to determine whether they can build on this historic season and contend for a championship.

How to Follow the Story

For the latest on Victor Wembanyama and the 2026 NBA season:

• Follow San Antonio Spurs official updates for roster moves and schedule announcements
• Monitor NBA’s official statistics for updated player metrics
• Watch Wembanyama’s All-Star selection highlight for his 2026 campaign overview
• Track FIBA’s international development reports for Wembanyama’s impact on global basketball