San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama captured the NBA's Defensive Player of the Year award Monday, becoming the first unanimous winner in the award's history. The 22-year-old secured all 100 first-place votes, achieving the milestone a year later than anticipated after missing 36 games last season due to deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder. He previously predicted this outcome during his rookie season, telling a French reporter that fellow Frenchman Rudy Gobert should enjoy his latest win "because after that, it's no longer his turn."

Wembanyama led the NBA in blocks (197) for the second consecutive season while adding 66 steals and averaging 11.5 rebounds per game (fourth in the league). The Spurs finished with the league's second-best defensive rating (110.4) with Wembanyama as the anchor. He became San Antonio's first DPOY since Kawhi Leonard won back-to-back awards in 2014-15 and 2015-16. Before Wembanyama, Ben Wallace came closest to unanimous selection in 2001-02, receiving 116 of 120 first-place votes.

Teammates praised his relentless work ethic. "Everything that he's achieved so far has been earned and never given," said Keldon Johnson. "He's one of the hardest workers I've ever been around." Wembanyama deflected credit to his supporting cast, stating the award reflects the team's effort. He is also an MVP finalist this season alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic.