Spurs Star Victor Wembanyama Wins Magic Johnson Award Ahead of Playoff Debut

The 22-year-old French superstar is the first Spurs player to receive the honor, which recognizes media-friendly NBA stars.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 10:50pm

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An abstract, energetic painting featuring bold, neon-colored brushstrokes that capture the dynamic movement and power of a basketball player dunking the ball, representing the exciting play of Victor Wembanyama.Wembanyama's electrifying play and engaging personality have made him a rising star both on and off the court.San Antonio Today

San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama has been awarded the Professional Basketball Writers Association's Magic Johnson Award for the 2025-26 season. The award honors NBA players who excel on the court and have a welcoming, cooperative attitude when dealing with the media and fans. Wembanyama, who is also a leading MVP candidate, is the youngest recipient of the award since Kevin Durant in 2011 and the first Spurs player to ever win it.

Why it matters

The Magic Johnson Award is a prestigious honor that recognizes players who balance on-court dominance with off-court accessibility and engagement. Wembanyama's win marks a shift from the Spurs' historically reserved approach with the media, as the young French star has embraced his role as a media-friendly superstar and fan favorite.

The details

Wembanyama, the Spurs' No. 1 overall pick in 2023, has emerged as one of the NBA's brightest young stars in his sophomore season. He is averaging 25.0 points, 11.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and a league-leading 3.1 blocks per game. Off the court, Wembanyama has been praised for his welcoming and cooperative attitude when dealing with the media and fans, a departure from the Spurs' traditionally more reserved approach under longtime coach Gregg Popovich.

  • The PBWA announced Wembanyama as the award winner on Thursday, April 16, 2026.
  • Wembanyama and the Spurs will open their playoff series against the Portland Trail Blazers on Saturday, April 18, 2026.

The players

Victor Wembanyama

A 22-year-old French center who was the No. 1 overall pick by the San Antonio Spurs in 2023. He is considered a generational talent and is a leading candidate for the NBA MVP award this season.

Gregg Popovich

The longtime head coach of the San Antonio Spurs, known for cultivating a more reserved approach with the media during his tenure.

Tim Duncan

A legendary Spurs player who was known for his calm, stoic demeanor when dealing with the media.

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What they’re saying

“'[The Award] honors the NBA player who best combines excellence on the court with cooperation and grace in dealing with the media and fans.'”

— PBWA, News release

“'Victor Wembanyama thoroughly embodies the spirit of this award — as a superstar who is just as thoughtful and engaging off the court as he is dominant on the court.'”

— Howard Beck, PBWA President

What’s next

Wembanyama and the Spurs will open their playoff series against the Portland Trail Blazers on Saturday, April 18, 2026, with Wembanyama looking to lead his team to a deep postseason run.

The takeaway

Wembanyama's Magic Johnson Award win represents a shift in the Spurs' culture, as the young French star has embraced his role as a media-friendly superstar and fan favorite, a departure from the team's historically more reserved approach. This honor could be the first of many for Wembanyama, who is poised to become one of the league's biggest stars both on and off the court.