Evaluating Victor Wembanyama’s 2026-27 MVP Case
Victor Wembanyama averages 28.8 points and 4.2 blocks per game for the San Antonio Spurs, positioning him as a top MVP candidate. His statistical dominance and defensive impact face a potential hurdle regarding the NBA's 65-game availability rule for major awards.
Victor Wembanyama averages 28.8 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 3.1 assists in 13 games for the San Antonio Spurs. He recorded back-to-back 40-point double-doubles against the Bulls and Warriors, scoring 41 points with 18 rebounds against Golden State on November 13. This performance follows a 40-point, 11-rebound outing against Phoenix on November 9. His season includes a massive 52-point, 24-rebound game against Dallas on November 4.
Statistical dominance and defensive impact
Wembanyama leads the league with 4.2 blocks per game this season. He currently maintains a 53.9 percent field goal percentage and a 77.2 percent free throw percentage. His defensive presence anchors a Spurs unit that ranks third in the league with a 110.1 defensive rating. On November 11, he scored 32 points and grabbed 9 rebounds against Chicago. You should look at his ability to alter shots despite playing only 29.3 minutes per game.
The player faces a significant hurdle regarding availability. NBA rules require players to participate in at least 65 games to qualify for most awards. Wembanyama played 64 games during the 2025-26 season, but he missed much of his sophomore campaign due to deep vein thrombosis in his shoulder. He averaged 24.9 points and 11.4 rebounds last year while earning unanimous Defensive Player of the Year honors. His 2026-27 scoring average of 28.8 points exceeds his previous season average of 24.9 points.
| Stat Category | 2026-27 Average | 2025-26 Average |
|---|---|---|
| Points | 28.8 | 24.9 |
| Rebounds | 11.7 | 11.4 |
| Blocks | 4.2 | 3.1 |
| Field Goal % | 53.9% | 51.0% |
Comparison with leading candidates
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander won the 2025-26 MVP award after averaging 31.1 points and 6.6 assists. Gilgeous-Alexander earned 83 of the 100 first place votes, while Wembanyama received five. The Thunder finished with 64 wins, which allowed Gilgeous-Alexander to secure his second consecutive trophy. Wembanyama holds a 4-1 head-to-head record against Gilgeous-Alexander’s Oklahoma City Thunder this season.
Luka Doncic averaged 33.5 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 8.3 assists last season for the Lakers. He finished fourth in the 2025-26 MVP voting and received zero first place votes. Nikola Jokic finished second in that race after averaging 27.7 points and 12.9 rebounds. Wembanyama currently sits as the favorite in Kalshi prediction markets with 29% odds. Can his scoring surge overcome the historical voting patterns seen in previous seasons?
