Chet Holmgren of the Oklahoma City Thunder placed second with 76 second-place votes and 11 third-place votes, finishing ahead of Ausar Thompson, who collected nine second-place votes and 33 third-place votes.
Rudy Gobert and Scottie Barnes completed the top five.
Other players who earned Defensive Player of the Year consideration included Derrick White, Cason Wallace, Amen Thompson, Dyson Daniels, OG Anunoby, Jalen Duren, Draymond Green, and Bam Adebayo.
Victor Wembanyama becomes the fourth San Antonio Spurs player to win Defensive Player of the Year, joining Alvin Robertson, David Robinson, and Kawhi Leonard (2X).
Despite a long stretch of elite defense throughout his career, Tim Duncan never received the award.
Wembanyama has played 3 seasons for the Spurs. He has averaged 23.4 points, 11.0 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 3.5 blocks in 181 regular-season games.
He was selected to play in 1 All-Star game, and has won the Rookie of the Year award.
Victor Wembanyama Named NBA Defensive Player Of The Year https://t.co/DdfkjvdvYT
— RealGM (@RealGM) April 20, 2026
