Wembanyama Leads NBA All-Defensive First Team
The NBA has announced the ideal defensive team for the 2025-2026 season, highlighting the stellar presence of Frenchman Victor Wembanyama, player for the San Antonio Spurs.
Wembanyama, who is solidifying himself as a key figure in the league’s defense, was unanimously selected by a panel of 100 voters, obtaining the maximum possible score of 200 points.
Alongside Wembanyama, the ideal quintet includes Chet Holmgren of the Oklahoma City Thunder, Ausar Thompson of the Detroit Pistons, Rudy Gobert of the Minnesota Timberwolves, and Derrick White of the Boston Celtics.
Holmgren finished second in the voting, accumulating 190 points. Thompson earned 166 points, followed by Gobert with 151 and White with 146.
The selection of Wembanyama as the defensive leader of the ideal quintet comes after being named NBA Defensive Player of the Year.
This recognition comes shortly after Wembanyama was awarded NBA Defensive Player of the Year, also unanimously, a milestone that makes him the first player to achieve this distinction with the backing of all voters.
Wembanyama succeeds his compatriot Rudy Gobert, who has been recognized as the best defender on four occasions throughout his career.
Second Defensive Quintet of the Season
The NBA also revealed the second defensive team of the season, consisting of Scottie Barnes of the Toronto Raptors, Cason Wallace of Oklahoma City, Bam Adebayo of the Miami Heat, OG Anunoby of the New York Knicks, and Dyson Daniels of the Atlanta Hawks.
This selection underscores the importance of the new generation of players in the NBA defense, who are making their mark on the league.
