Victor Wembanyama, the young star of the San Antonio Spurs, is poised for an exciting 2026-27 season following an impressive previous year, which saw him become the youngest recipient of the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, former NBA All-Star and current analyst Blake Griffin shared his bold predictions for Wembanyama, confidently stating that the Spurs forward could clinch the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award alongside his defensive accolade.
At just 22 years old, Wembanyama made headlines last season by not only winning the Defensive Player of the Year but also leading the Spurs to the NBA Finals, where they faced off against the New York Knicks. Unfortunately for San Antonio fans, the Spurs were outmatched in the championship series, losing to the Knicks in five games. Despite this setback, Wembanyama’s achievements last season have generated significant optimism for the upcoming campaign.
In his remarks to PEOPLE, Griffin asserted that Wembanyama’s exceptional performance positions him as a strong contender for both the MVP and Defensive Player of the Year titles in the current season. If Wembanyama manages to secure the MVP award this year, he would join the elite ranks of players like Michael Jordan, Hakeem Olajuwon, and Giannis Antetokounmpo, who have won both prestigious awards in the same season since the Defensive Player of the Year award’s introduction in the 1982-83 season.
Griffin, known for his insightful commentary and experience on the court, expressed admiration for Wembanyama not merely for his abilities but for his mental approach to the game. In October 2025, he praised the young player’s maturity, noting how Wembanyama’s focused mindset separates him from others at such a young age. Griffin remarked on the unique mentality of the French player, referencing his dedication through personal changes like shaving his head, which signifies a level of seriousness in his preparations for professional basketball.
In addition to Griffin, another notable former player, John Wall, shared his thoughts on Wembanyama’s potential this season. Wall believes that Wembanyama has shown marked improvement, alongside other key players like Dylan Harper and De’Aaron Fox, who Wall notes must maintain their health for the Spurs to compete for a championship. His comments suggest that both skill and a bit of luck will be essential components to the Spurs’ success in the upcoming season.
The Spurs are set to open their regular season against the Oklahoma City Thunder on October 20, offering Wembanyama an early opportunity to showcase his capabilities and reinforce the lofty expectations surrounding him. The anticipation continues to build as fans eagerly await this matchup, which marks the start of what many hope will be a successful journey for the Spurs.
A highly-anticipated rematch between the Spurs and the Knicks is scheduled for Christmas Day, allowing basketball enthusiasts to revisit the riveting Finals confrontation. Both teams will be keen to set the tone for the holiday season, making it a prime fixture on the NBA calendar.
As the 2026-27 season kicks off, all eyes will be on Victor Wembanyama, whose remarkable talent and potential have captured the attention of fans and analysts alike. With predictions from seasoned players like Blake Griffin and John Wall, many are hopeful that this season could herald a significant era for both Wembanyama and the Spurs, elevating them in the highly competitive basketball landscape once again.