Basketball Hall of Famer Julius Erving says San Antonio Spurs superstar Victor Wembanyama is set to make centers the heart of the NBA MVP conversation again. This comes as the Spurs look to rebound from a tough stretch, including a 90-94 loss to the New York Knicks on June 14, 2026, and a recent form of 1 win and 4 losses in their last five games.
What did Dr. J say about Victor Wembanyama and the MVP?
Julius Erving, known as Dr. J, stated that Wembanyama will change the current landscape where wings and guards dominate the MVP award. "I think Wemby is going to change that," Erving said. He pointed to his own era, where centers ruled the MVP vote from 1966 to 1982, with himself as the lone exception. Erving believes Wembanyama's unique talent can shift the focus back to the league's big men.
The award's history supports his point. From its start in 1956 until 1980, centers like Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar were almost guaranteed winners. After 1984, only Hakeem Olajuwon, David Robinson, and Shaquille O'Neal broke through until recently. The shift Erving predicts may have already started with Nikola Jokic's three wins and Joel Embiid's victory.
Why does this matter for the San Antonio Spurs?
For the Spurs, having the league's most talked-about young talent is a massive asset. Wembanyama represents the franchise's future and its best chance to return to championship contention. His presence alone raise the team's profile and attracts fan interest globally. The Spurs' performance, however, has been inconsistent. That June 14 loss to the Knicks was part of a run where they lost four consecutive games.
Their recent form of 1W-4L highlights the gap between Wembanyama's individual potential and the team's overall results. Building a winning roster around him is the organization's next big challenge. Fans can track the team's progress and upcoming schedule on our schedule page.
What is the current outlook for Wembanyama's MVP chances?
He was a finalist last season, though he lost out to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The key question is how many times he can win the award if he maintains his health and the incredible passion he's shown in his first three professional seasons.
His statistical output will be critical. Analysts will watch his points, rebounds, assists, and especially his defensive impact through blocks and steals. Improving his field goal percentage and three-point shooting could also solidify his case. The Spurs' win-loss record will heavily influence voters, making team success a priority.
How does the team's performance affect his campaign?
MVP voters often reward players on top-seeded teams. The Spurs' current struggles, evidenced by their 1-4 record in the last five games, could hurt Wembanyama's candidacy if they continue. The loss to the Knicks showed they can compete but need to close out tight games. For Wembanyama to truly lead an MVP resurgence for centers, he'll likely need to drag the Spurs higher up the standings.
It's a tall order, but his skill set is unprecedented. At 7-foot-4, he handles the ball like a guard and protects the rim like the great centers Erving mentioned. His development is the single most important story for the Spurs. The entire league is watching to see if Dr. J's prediction comes true and if San Antonio can build a contender around their generational talent.
