Overview
- NBA.com’s latest MVP Ladder, published Friday by Shaun Powell, moved Victor Wembanyama to No. 1 ahead of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Luka Dončić.
- Wembanyama outlined a three-part MVP pitch earlier this week that stressed defense as half the game, cited San Antonio’s strong head-to-head results against Oklahoma City, and argued offensive value goes beyond points, backing it with season averages near 24 points, 11 rebounds, and a league-leading blocks rate.
- Following Wednesday’s Warriors win, Draymond Green said he “hated” and “absolutely loved” the self-advocacy, praising Wembanyama for speaking up and criticizing that voters needed reminding that defense matters.
- ESPN reported Wembanyama had 57 games plus the in-season tournament bonus and must play in seven of the Spurs’ final 10 to qualify for awards, where he is widely viewed as the Defensive Player of the Year favorite.
- National reaction remains split, with some commentators calling the push premature, yet the NBA.com bump signals real traction and could nudge voters to weigh rim protection and on/off impact more heavily down the stretch.