Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs has been ranked as the second-best player in the NBA in ESPN's 2026 player rankings. The towering big man sits only behind Denver's Nikola Jokic, a massive leap from his fifth-place spot just a year ago. This honor arrives as the Spurs are on a tear, having just defeated the Golden State Warriors 127-113 on April 2, 2026, to extend their winning streak to five games.
Wembanyama's rise to the elite tier is no accident. His 2025-26 campaign was historic, featuring a unanimous Defensive Player of the Year award and a deep playoff run to the Finals. He led the league in blocks and defensive win shares, posting a plus-12.9 net rating in his first postseason. ESPN's panel, which included analysts like Ben Golliver and Bobby Marks, pointed to his scary rate of improvement. They noted he boosted his scoring efficiency by taking fewer threes and attacking the paint more. His unique 7-foot-4 frame and rapid skill development make him a nightmare for opponents.
The top of ESPN's list isn't wildly controversial, with most agreeing Jokic, Wembanyama, and MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander belong in the top three. But the order differs across outlets. For instance, The Ringer's ranking placed Gilgeous-Alexander first with Wembanyama second. ESPN's decision to slot Wemby above the reigning MVP projects even more growth from the Spurs' franchise player. Stephen A. Smith has also called Wembanyama a top-three player and the new face of the league, suggesting only two players are currently better.
While Wembanyama soars near the summit, three of his teammates earned spots in ESPN's top 100. Rookie guard Stephon Castle was ranked 38th, veteran point guard De'Aaron Fox came in at 43rd, and fellow rookie Dylan Harper landed at 50th. A notable omission was Devin Vassell, who didn't crack the top 100 or receive a special mention despite his important role. The team's collective talent is translating to wins, as shown by their recent form. Before beating the Warriors, they posted victories over the Chicago Bulls (129-114 on March 31), Milwaukee Bucks (127-95 on March 28), Miami Heat (136-111 on March 23), Indiana Pacers (134-119 on March 22), and Phoenix Suns (101-100 on March 20).
The trajectory points straight up. If the 2026-27 season meets expectations, it would be no shock to see Wembanyama claim the number one ranking. His combination of defensive dominance and offensive refinement is nearly unmatched. For the Spurs, building a contender around him is the clear mission. With a core featuring Castle, Fox, and Harper, the future in San Antonio is blindingly bright. Fans can track the team's progress and upcoming matchups on our schedule page. The current five-game win streak proves this group is already turning potential into results on the court.
