In only three seasons, Victor Wembanyama has already established himself as one of the NBA’s top stars. He was the 2024 Rookie of the Year, is now a two-time All-Star, and is currently a candidate for both the MVP and Defensive Player of the Year awards.
Wembanyama is aware of his performances and believes he is a deserving MVP winner over Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Sports analyst Stephen A. Smith weighed in on Wembanyama’s comments.
Stephen A. Smith Believes Victor Wembanyama Should Win MVP
NBA insider Jared Weiss asked Wembanyama on Monday why the San Antonio Spurs star should win MVP.
Wembanyama emphasized his impact in games, particularly on defense. He also noted that the Spurs defeated the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder and their reigning MVP, Gilgeous-Alexander.
San Antonio holds a 4-1 record over the Thunder this season, underscoring that the Spurs were the stronger team in the regular season. Wembanyama believes those results support his case for MVP.
Asked Wemby to provide his 3 campaign bullet points for why he should be MVP https://t.co/HjRppaPLfY pic.twitter.com/FHXrFMjAi3
— Jared Weiss (@JaredWeissNBA) March 24, 2026
Smith responded to Wembanyama’s remarks and reinforced the Frenchman’s position. While acknowledging Gilgeous-Alexander as a worthy MVP candidate, Smith agreed with Wembanyama’s argument.
“He is right when he says that it doesn’t get mentioned enough when we talk about league MVP,” Smith said about Wembanyama. “Obviously, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is that dude. He is spectacular, make no mistake about it.
“The second-placed team, who hasn’t been relevant in years, has a star in Victor Wembanyama. Before the playoffs even began, he looked into the microphone and the camera and said, ‘We’ve dominated the defending champions.’ I’ll be damned. … Before the playoffs have begun, ‘OKC, I’ve kicked your a**.’ That’s what he’s saying.”
Smith described Wembanyama’s confidence as the mark of an MVP.
“He’s saying, ‘Defense needs to matter more. Oh, by the way, offense, I’m giving you that too. Oh, by the way, your reigning defending champions, I’ll bust their a**.’ That’s what he’s saying.
“He’s saying it before the playoffs. With every intention of meeting them, he’s telling them in advance, ‘I bust your a** before, and I’mma bust your a** again.’ Damn. Now that’s an MVP right there.”
.@stephenasmith admits Victor Wembanyama has “done changed [his] mind” in the MVP race 👀 pic.twitter.com/4C2EyWWV6J
— First Take (@FirstTake) March 24, 2026
Looking at Wembanyama’s numbers this season, his performance has been remarkable. He is averaging 24.3 points, 11.2 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 3.0 blocks, and 1.0 steals per game.
He is No. 4 in the February edition of ESPN’s MVP straw poll and leads the Defensive Player of the Year race.
