The San Antonio Spurs and Victor Wembanyama are the center of the basketball world according to the NBA's annual general manager survey. Released this week, the poll forecasts a historic 2026-27 season where Wembanyama is favored to win both MVP and Defensive Player of the Year, while the Spurs are picked as championship favorites. This comes as the team prepares for its final preseason game after a 126-97 win over the Sacramento Kings on October 16.
The survey results place immense expectations on the franchise. A majority of league executives believe Victor Wembanyama will capture the league's Most Valuable Player award. They also selected him as the frontrunner for Defensive Player of the Year. If he wins both, he would join an exclusive club. Only Hakeem Olajuwon in 1993-94 has ever won MVP and DPOY in the same season while also leading his team to a title. Michael Jordan did it in 1988, but his Bulls fell in the conference finals.
Wembanyama is entering his fourth season and turns 23 in January. His physical development and two-way impact draw direct comparisons to a young Olajuwon. He averaged 6.3 points per fourth quarter during last season's playoffs, showing he wants the ball in big moments. His defensive range, where he can effectively guard two players at once, gives him a unique edge in award races.
Right now, Nikola Jokić is still considered the league's best center by most GMs. But the gap is closing fast. Wembanyama's rapid improvement, especially in pick-and-roll defense since his rookie year, makes him a threat in every facet of the game. His playmaking is the next area to develop. If it approaches Jokić's level, he could average a triple-double and operate in his own tier.
The MVP race is expected to be a battle between Wembanyama, Luka Dončić, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Jokić. Health will be a major factor for all of them. Wembanyama's shot-blocking and intimidation on defense could be the difference-maker in a tight vote. It's worth remembering that GM surveys have a mixed record, correctly predicting the MVP winner only three times in the last ten years.
The Spurs have used the preseason to tune up for these lofty expectations. Their most recent outing was a dominant 126-97 victory over the Sacramento Kings on October 16. Before that, they beat the Phoenix Suns 123-103 on October 14. They dropped games to the Utah Jazz (119-109 on Oct. 12) and the Phoenix Suns (102-98 on Oct. 10), and opened preseason with a 116-123 loss to the Atlanta Hawks on October 8. That gives them a 3-2 exhibition record.
These games are final tune-ups before the real tests begin.
The immediate focus is the final preseason contest against the Oklahoma City Thunder at home on October 20. After that, the real work begins. The GM survey has set the bar at a championship level. Meeting it will require Wembanyama to have that historic two-way season and for the entire roster to raise its play. The Spurs have the talent, and now they have the target on their backs that comes with being the favorite.
