Victor Wembanyama sets sights on NBA MVP: “It has to be mine”

In Miami, after a dominant win over the Heat (136-111), Victor Wembanyama made his stance crystal clear: he wants the MVP this season.

The victory secured the Spurs’ first Division title in nine years, but the French star’s focus is elsewhere. It’s not just about winning – it’s about controlling the narrative.

I’ve thought about it. I think there’s a debate right now… but I believe I should be leading the race. My goal is to make sure there’s no doubt by the end of the season

Victor Wembanyama

NBA MVP numbers: Wembanyama in history

The numbers speak for themselves: 24.3 points, 11.2 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 3.0 blocks per game. A rare combination that places him in an elite group alongside legends such as:

• Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
• Hakeem Olajuwon
• Shaquille O’Neal
• Patrick Ewing
• David Robinson

Another key detail: Wembanyama had already reached these numbers last season, despite playing just 46 games.

However, a first crack in the argument emerges: the stats are historic, but not necessarily superior to those of his direct rivals, especially in terms of offensive volume and consistency.

The MVP race

At the moment, the favorite remains reigning champion Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, followed by Luka Doncic, the league’s leading scorer.

Wembanyama sits just behind them, even ahead of Nikola Jokic.

This is where it’s worth pausing to question an implicit assumption: does being the most “impressive” also mean being the most impactful?

A skeptic might argue that:

• Gilgeous-Alexander has a more consistent and central offensive impact
• Doncic carries a heavier offensive load
• Jokic, even with less hype, remains the benchmark for overall efficiency

In this sense, Wembanyama’s case is strong – but not yet overwhelmingly dominant.

Wembanyama’s manifesto: three arguments for MVP

The Spurs big man has built a true personal “campaign” around three key points:

1. Defensive impact is underrated

Defense is 50% of the game. And I believe I’m the most impactful defensive player in the league

Victor Wembanyama

The argument is solid, but incomplete: defense matters, but historically the MVP award favors offensive dominance. Changing that paradigm requires something truly extraordinary.

2. Head-to-head vs OKC

Wembanyama points out that the Spurs have often had the edge over Oklahoma City.

An interesting argument, but a fragile one: MVP is not a head-to-head award, and relying on individual matchups can be limiting.

3. Offensive impact goes beyond scoring

Here comes a more modern perspective: spacing, gravity, presence.

This is likely the strongest part of his case. But again: how measurable is it compared to the raw production of other candidates?

Spurs are rolling, but how much does context matter?

With a 54-18 record, the Spurs are among the top teams in the NBA and will have home-court advantage in the playoffs.

Head coach Mitch Johnson has no doubts:

He impacts every aspect of the game… more than anyone I’ve ever seen

Mitch Johnson

A strong statement, but inevitably a biased one. And it raises another key question: how much of the Spurs’ success is solely attributable to Wembanyama?

Clear goal: end the debate

Wembanyama isn’t satisfied with being part of the conversation—he wants to end it.

Right now, it’s normal for there to be a debate. But my goal is to make sure there isn’t one anymore

Victor Wembanyama

Wembanyama has laid his cards on the table: he doesn’t just want to be in the race – he wants to win it. Now it remains to be seen whether what he’s doing is enough, or if he’ll need another step to truly separate himself from the field.