Nick Wright Argues Why Victor Wembanyama Isn't MVP Frontrunner

Fox Sports analyst says Spurs star's defensive impact isn't enough to overcome gaps in other key MVP criteria.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 8:36pm

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Fox Sports analyst Nick Wright laid out a blunt breakdown of why Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama, despite his historic late-season surge, still falls short in the MVP race compared to other frontrunners. Wright pointed to Wembanyama's limitations as a passer and scorer, as well as his lower games played and minutes, as factors that undermine his case even with his elite defensive impact.

Why it matters

The MVP debate around Wembanyama has divided opinions, with many seeing him as a clear frontrunner due to his transformative defensive presence. However, Wright's analysis highlights how traditional MVP criteria around offensive production, availability, and team success still pose challenges for the young phenom's candidacy.

The details

Wright argued that Wembanyama is 'far and away the least impactful passer' and 'the least impactful scorer' among MVP candidates. He also noted that Wembanyama has played the fewest games and minutes, and doesn't even have the best record on his team. While acknowledging Wembanyama's defensive dominance, Wright said 'that's not enough' for him to overcome those other gaps.

  • Wembanyama has made a historic late-season surge to enter the MVP conversation.

The players

Victor Wembanyama

A 22-year-old rookie center for the San Antonio Spurs who has emerged as a leading MVP candidate due to his transformative defensive impact.

Nick Wright

A Fox Sports analyst who provided a critical breakdown of why Wembanyama's MVP case still falls short compared to other frontrunners.

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What they’re saying

“You have one guy of all the candidates who is far and away the least impactful passer. The least impactful scorer. He has played the fewest games and by far the fewest minutes. Also, he doesn't even have the best record.”

— Nick Wright, Fox Sports Analyst

The takeaway

While Wembanyama has been a dominant defensive force and helped the Spurs surge back into contention, traditional MVP criteria around offensive production, availability, and team success still pose significant challenges to his candidacy, as highlighted by Wright's analysis.