Former NBA forward Charlie Villanueva believes Victor Wembanyama will sweep the MVP and Defensive Player of the Year awards if the San Antonio Spurs can overtake the Oklahoma City Thunder for the top spot in the Western Conference.
Charlie Villanueva Believes Victor Wembanyama Can Win Both MVP and DPOY Awards
Villanueva made the bold declaration shortly after Wembanyama publicly stated that he is targeting both prestigious awards to cap off his breakout third season in the league.
Following the Spurs’ 115-102 victory over the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday, Wembanyama told reporters that winning MVP and DPOY is at the forefront of his mind heading into the final stretch of the regular season.
The 22-year-old center did not hold back when discussing his goals. He explained that taking care of his body is a priority because he wants to capture both awards before the season ends.
Villanueva responded to Wembanyama’s declaration by emphasizing the significance of dethroning Oklahoma City, which has dominated the Western Conference for the past three years.
Charlie Villanueva says Victor Wembanyama could win MVP if the Spurs pass OKC and secure the No. 1 seed in the West:
“Because we haven’t seen another team be number 1 team in the past three years. So, now when somebody surpasses that you have to look at that team and look at… pic.twitter.com/flk8hncKik
— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) March 16, 2026
“Because we haven’t seen another team be the number 1 team in the past three years. So, now when somebody surpasses that, you have to look at that team and look at their star player for surpassing a team that has had success for the last three years. So, yes to me if San Antonio surpasses OKC, Wemby is MVP and now defensive player of the year, Wemby is going to get that too,” Villanueva said.
The Thunder currently sit atop the Western Conference with a 53-15 record. Oklahoma City is the defending NBA champion after defeating the Indiana Pacers in last year’s Finals, and Shai Gilgeous Alexander is the reigning MVP.
San Antonio is not far behind with a 49-18 record, good for second place in the West. The Spurs have won 17 of their last 19 games and are playing their best basketball of the season at the perfect time.
Wembanyama has been sensational during this stretch. In March, he is averaging 28 points, 11 rebounds, and more than four blocks per game. For the season, he is putting up 24.3 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 3.0 blocks while shooting career bests of 50.7 percent from the field and 36.5 percent from three-point range.
If Wembanyama wins both awards, he would join an exclusive club that includes only Michael Jordan, Hakeem Olajuwon, and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Those are the only three players in NBA history to capture MVP and DPOY in the same season.
One obstacle Wembanyama must navigate is the NBA’s 65-game eligibility requirement for awards. He has already missed 15 games this season due to various injuries and can only afford to sit out two more games to remain eligible.
With 15 games remaining on the schedule, Wembanyama appears determined to play through and make his case for both awards. The Spurs have a realistic chance to catch Oklahoma City, and if they do, Villanueva believes the hardware should follow.
