Overview
- The NBA released the 2025‑26 All‑Defensive teams on May 22, with Victor Wembanyama receiving all 100 first‑place DPOY votes and the only unanimous All‑Defensive First Team selection.
- A 100‑member global media panel chose the two All‑Defensive squads based on regular‑season performance, placing Chet Holmgren, Ausar Thompson, Rudy Gobert and Derrick White on the First Team alongside Wembanyama.
- Detroit’s Ausar Thompson earned his first First Team nod and became the Pistons’ first First Team All‑Defensive player since Ben Wallace in 2006, a recognition that could affect his contract and extension talks.
- Miami’s Bam Adebayo returned to All‑Defensive recognition with a Second Team spot and was named the NBA Social Justice Champion, receiving the Kareem Abdul‑Jabbar Trophy and a $100,000 donation to his foundation.
- Fans and analysts debated notable snubs such as Amen Thompson, Evan Mobley and Jaden McDaniels, with coverage noting how voters balanced counting stats, team defensive ratings and on/off metrics when making selections.