Wembanyama Confident He'd Vote for Himself as NBA MVP

Spurs star believes he deserves award over Gilgeous-Alexander, Jokic, Cunningham

Mar. 19, 2026 at 4:22pm

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San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama believes he would vote for himself as NBA MVP if given the chance, despite competition from players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Cade Cunningham, and Nikola Jokic. Wembanyama is having a standout season, leading the league in blocks per game and averaging over 24 points and 11 rebounds per contest.

Why it matters

The race for NBA MVP is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory, with several young stars making strong cases. Wembanyama's confidence in his own abilities highlights the high expectations surrounding the 22-year-old phenom, who many believe is poised to dominate the league for years to come.

The details

When asked if he would vote for himself as NBA MVP, Wembanyama responded, "Of course." The Spurs big man is competing with the likes of Gilgeous-Alexander, Cunningham, Jokic, and Luka Doncic for the award. Cunningham's chances took a hit after he was diagnosed with a collapsed lung and will be sidelined for an extended period. Despite the strong competition, Wembanyama is making a compelling case, leading the league in blocks per game and averaging over 24 points and 11 rebounds per contest.

  • Wembanyama made the comments about voting for himself as NBA MVP in March 2026.

The players

Victor Wembanyama

A 22-year-old center for the San Antonio Spurs who is considered one of the best young players in the NBA. He is leading the league in blocks per game and is averaging over 24 points and 11 rebounds per contest.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

A guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder who is considered the frontrunner for the NBA MVP award this season.

Cade Cunningham

A guard for the Detroit Pistons who was recently diagnosed with a collapsed lung and will be sidelined for an extended period, hurting his chances of winning the MVP award.

Nikola Jokic

A center for the Denver Nuggets who has won the NBA MVP award the past two seasons and is in the running again this year.

Luka Doncic

A guard for the Dallas Mavericks who is also considered a top contender for the NBA MVP award this season.

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What they’re saying

“Of course," he told Sam Amick of The Athletic when asked if he would vote for himself in the race.”

— Victor Wembanyama

What’s next

The NBA will announce the winner of the MVP award in the coming weeks, with Wembanyama, Gilgeous-Alexander, Jokic, and others vying for the prestigious honor.

The takeaway

Wembanyama's confidence in his own abilities highlights the high expectations surrounding the young Spurs star, who many believe is poised to dominate the NBA for years to come. The race for MVP is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory, with several talented players making strong cases for the award.