Victor Wembanyama has looked like one of the most dominant defensive forces in the NBA this season. Night after night, he alters shots, protects the rim, and reshapes entire offensive schemes.
But his Defensive Player of the Year case may not be decided by blocks or advanced metrics. It could come down to one simple number: games played.
Victor Wembanyama's DPOY hopes come down NBA’s 65-game threshold
The NBA requires players to appear in at least 65 games to qualify for major awards, including Defensive Player of the Year.
That rule leaves Wembanyama with very little margin for error. He is known to be injury-prone. Therefore, the Spurs keep the strict rotation with him.
With 15 games remaining, he can afford to miss no more than three games. Any additional absence would disqualify him, regardless of how dominant he has been on defense.
For a player who has dealt with injuries earlier in his career, that threshold looms large. The playoffs are only a month away.
Spurs' Wembanyama’s Shaolin training may now be put to the test
That makes one offseason storyline suddenly more relevant. Do you remember Wemby hanging out in China? You may ask yourself now, what is the connection between China and 65-game threshold?
During the summer, Wembanyama reportedly took part in Shaolin-style training, focusing on flexibility, body control, and mental discipline. At the time, it was seen as an unconventional but intriguing way to prepare for the demands of an NBA season.
Now, it could prove decisive. Wembanyama entered the league with questions about durability due to his unique frame.
The final stretch of the season will test whether that training helped strengthen both his body and his mindset enough to endure the grind. Because at this stage, staying on the court is everything.
Defensive dominance may not be enough without availability
When he is on the floor, Wembanyama’s impact is undeniable. His ability to protect the rim while also disrupting plays on the perimeter makes him one of the most versatile defenders in the league. Opponents routinely adjust their offensive approach simply because he is there.
From a performance standpoint, he has a legitimate case as the league’s top defender. However, the reality of the award race is clear. If he does not meet the minimum game requirement, that dominance will not matter.
That puts pressure on both Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs to carefully manage his workload while keeping him available.
If he stays healthy, he could walk away with Defensive Player of the Year - experts expect nothing but greatness from him. If not, one of the most impressive defensive seasons in recent memory could go unrewarded. And suddenly, that unusual summer training might be the factor that decides it.