Big things are expected from Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs in his third season in the NBA. Wembanyama is predicted to have a historic 2025-26 season, taking home two major awards.
ESPN surprisingly ranked Wembanyama fifth in their annual Top 100 players list, ahead of players such as Anthony Edwards, Steph Curry and LeBron James. The Spurs star earned his first All-Star nod last season, but his campaign was cut short after being diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder on February 20.
In a follow-up article about their rankings on September 25, ESPN’s Jorge Sedano was asked to make a bold prediction for the upcoming season. Sedano went with Wembanyama taking home both the NBA Most Valuable Player and Defensive Player of the Year awards.
Wembanyama will be the fourth player in NBA history to win both MVP and DPOY (Michael Jordan, Hakeem Olajuwon, Antetokounmpo). He’s a lock to win DPOY provided he logs the requisite amount of games. I think for him to win the MVP in a loaded Western Conference, the Spurs will have to be a top-six seed. I’m willing to bet there will be some things that bounce their way and that the Spurs will be improved enough to reach that benchmark,” Sedano wrote.
“The Alien” was the favorite to win last season’s DPOY, but his injury meant that he was ineligible to win the award. Cleveland Cavaliers defensive big Evan Mobley took home the award instead. As for the MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander beat out Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Spurs Commit to Victor Wembanyama’s Running Mate
The San Antonio Spurs acquired De’Aaron Fox from the Sacramento Kings back in February in a three-team deal involving the Chicago Bulls. Fox averaged 19.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, 6.8 assists and 1.5 steals in 17 games. He only played five games with Victor Wembanyama, but the Spurs liked what they saw from their new duo.
The franchise signed Fox to a four-year, $229 million maximum contract extension with no player option, as reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania. The deal will keep the speedy guard in San Antonio until the 2029-30 season, committing to his partnership with Wembanyama.
In addition to Fox, the Spurs have built a solid roster with great depth around Wembanyama. They still have players like Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson, Stephon Castle and Jeremy Sochan. They also have veterans Kelly Olynyk and Harrison Barnes to provide leadership.
The depth doesn’t stop there since the Spurs also drafted Dylan Harper with the second pick and added Carter Bryant with the 14th selection. Some experts also voted Bryant as the steal of the draft in a survey by Jeremy Woo of ESPN in July.
Victor Wembanyama Given Clean Bill of Health in July
After being diagnosed with a blood clot in February, Victor Wembanyama was cleared medically two months ago. The Associated Press’ Tim Reynolds first reported it, with Wembanyama confirming it on social media.
The 21-year-old star had a productive offseason, working out with legends and taking a trip around the world. He’s expected to be fully healthy ahead of the Spurs‘ training camp on September 29. They open the preseason on October 6 against the Guangzhou Loong Lions at the Frost Bank Center.
Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama Predicted to Have Historic Season