Victor Wembanyama Wins Magic Johnson Award, Dominates NBA with Elite Defense

Victor Wembanyama Wins Magic Johnson Award, Dominates NBA with Elite Defense

Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs has won the 2025-26 Magic Johnson Award, honoring the NBA player who best combines excellence on the court with cooperation and grace in dealing with the media and fans, the Professional Basketball Writers Association announced.

The 22-year-old superstar averaged 25 points, 11.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists and a league-leading 3.1 blocks per game this season and earned his second All-Star selection. Off the court, Wembanyama fostered an atmosphere of mutual respect and openness with reporters covering the NBA.

“Victor Wembanyama thoroughly embodies the spirit of this award – as a superstar who is just as thoughtful and engaging off the court as he is dominant on the court,” said PBWA president Howard Beck. “He is giving of himself, amiable and patient with reporters, and eager to discuss just about any subject – from the MVP race to social justice to the Northern Lights. As one of our members put it, Victor is ‘a deep thinker who understands the power of his words.'”

Wembanyama is the first Spur to win the award and, at age 22, the youngest honoree since Kevin Durant (also 22) in 2011. Donovan Mitchell of the Cleveland Cavaliers finished second in balloting for the second consecutive year.

Finalists and Award Recognition

The other finalists were Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors, Jaylen Brown of the Boston Celtics, and Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks. A full PBWA membership vote determined the winner from nominations submitted by association members.

Beck added: “Even with the immense spotlight and expectations he faces daily, Victor consistently approaches his interviews with enthusiasm and a sense of humor. The day before he was drafted in 2023, Victor said his goal was to be the best in ‘all dimensions of the job,’ including ‘the best at the media, the press conference stuff.’ As he has on the court, he has more than lived up to his promise.”

Award History and Significance

The award, created in 2001, is named in honor of Earvin “Magic” Johnson, the former Los Angeles Lakers star who was consistently engaging, thoughtful and gracious with the media throughout his Hall of Fame career. The PBWA annually honors an NBA PR staff member (Brian McIntyre Award), coach (Rudy Tomjanovich Award) and player (Magic Johnson Award) for going above and beyond to work with media and inform fans.

Under PBWA rules adopted in 2020, no team or individual can win in consecutive years. The association comprises more than 200 writers and editors who regularly cover the NBA and WNBA for newspapers, magazines and online outlets.

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