Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama unanimous pick for NBA All-Defensive First Team
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San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama, the league’s unanimous 2025-26 Defensive Player of the Year, was the only player to earn a unanimous spot on the NBA All-Defensive First Team, the league announced Friday night.
All-Defensive First Team
• Victor Wembanyama, C, Spurs
• Chet Holmgren, F, Thunder
• Ausar Thompson, G, Pistons
• Rudy Gobert, C, Timberwolves
• Derrick White, G, Celtics
Wembanyama led the NBA in blocks for a third straight season, averaging 3.1 per game, and has been a dominant presence in the Western Conference finals against Oklahoma City. Holmgren, who finished second in Defensive Player of the Year voting, anchored the league’s No. 1 defense with 1.9 blocks per game. Thompson, third in the DPOY race, topped the NBA with 2.0 steals per game.
Gobert collected his eighth first-team selection—and ninth overall—while helping Minnesota stay in the league’s top 10 for defensive rating. White was a key part of Boston’s unit that ranked fourth in defensive efficiency.
All-Defensive Second Team
• OG Anunoby, F, Knicks
• Cason Wallace, G, Thunder
• Bam Adebayo, C, Heat
• Dyson Daniels, G, Hawks
• Scottie Barnes, F, Raptors
Anunoby has led New York’s defense throughout the season and into the playoffs, where the Knicks aim for a 10th consecutive win and a 3-0 advantage Saturday night in Cleveland. Wallace paced the league in both steals and deflections, while Barnes capped a standout campaign that ended in a seven-game first-round defeat to the Cavaliers.
Adebayo earned his fifth second-team nod (sixth overall), reinforcing his status as one of the NBA’s most versatile bigs. Daniels, last season’s Most Improved Player, followed a first-team appearance in 2025 with a second-team berth this year.
The NBA will reveal its All-NBA teams on Sunday and announce the Coach of the Year on Tuesday, completing the 2025-26 award slate.
Source: ESPN
