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Victor Wembanyama Wins Defensive Player of the Year

2026-06-23 · Victor Wembanyama · Player Focus

Victor Wembanyama Wins Defensive Player of the Year

Victor Wembanyama became the NBA's newest villain after a swift rise to fame. He was unanimously voted Rookie of the Year in 2023, averaging 21.4 points and 10.6 rebounds per game.

What happened to Victor Wembanyama's popularity?

The 7-foot-4 center from France had a higher approval rating than pizza and puppies before playing a single second of NBA basketball. LeBron James described him as "an alien" and Giannis Antetokounmpo said he would be "one of the best to play this game".

Why the sudden change in perception?

Wembanyama led the league in blocks with 3.6 per game and finished second in Defensive Player of the Year voting behind Rudy Gobert in his rookie season. He won the 2026 Defensive Player of the Year award and finished third in MVP voting after leading the San Antonio Spurs to 62 wins and a spot in the NBA Finals. And his confidence has been on full display, with quotes like "Let him win it now, because after that, it's no longer his turn".

What's behind the backlash against Victor Wembanyama?

Some point to his frontrunner status, with Wembanyama being considered the world's best basketball player before winning a title. Others criticize his behavior on the court, throwing elbows and jabs at opposing players without facing repercussions from the NBA. But Wembanyama's unapologetic style and willingness to stand out have also drawn praise from fans and pundits alike. He has been unafraid to show his emotions, crying on the court after a big win and speaking about the importance of vulnerability. NBA journalist Michael Pina wrote that Wembanyama "has a spine, guts, and heart" and that his authenticity makes him "an easy player to bet on". As Wembanyama continues to dominate on the court, his personality and style will undoubtedly remain under scrutiny. On May 18, he became just the fifth player in NBA history to drop 41 points and 24 rebounds in a playoff game. And his conviction to be himself, both on and off the court, has drawn admiration from many. But for others, it's a turn-off, with some criticizing his outfits, his face, and his hair. David Jacoby, a basketball podcaster, said on "The Zach Lowe Show" that he "cannot stand this guy" and hates "everything about him". So what's next for Victor Wembanyama, the NBA's newest villain? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain - he will continue to be a dominant force on the court.

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