For the seventh straight year, the NBA asked me if I’d like to be one the media members with an official ballot for year-end awards. I said yes. On Thursday, we broke down MVP, Rookie of the Year and individual honors.

Looking for defense and athleticism, the Golden State Warriors have been linked to an impact defender out of Kansas.

Jayson Tatum’s return has significantly boosted Boston Celtics’ title hopes, with the 28-year-old looking back to his best form after recovering from an Achilles tendon injury.

Take a look back at every Kia Defensive Player of the Year award winner in NBA history. > NBA History: Awards A year-by-year list of the Kia Defensive Player of the Year Award winners: 2025-26 — Victor Wembanyama,

The 2026 NBA playoffs have already featured several huge performances by big stars. Here's a look at the players having the best first round thus far.

Victor Wembanyama is the Defensive Player of the Year. He is the first player in NBA history to win the award unanimously. He got all 100 first-place votes. Chet Holmgren of the Oklahoma City Thunder came in second with 76 second-place votes. Ausar Thompson of the Detroit Pistons came in third with nine second-place votes and 33 third-place votes.

San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama made NBA history on Monday as the first player to be unanimously named Defensive Player of the Year, becoming the youngest winner of the award at 22 years old.