Wemby is "Magic"! NBA Awards Season Kicks Off

Pulse Sports Team 06:49 - 17 April 2026

San Antonio Spurs superstar Victor Wembanyama has been named the recipient of the 2025-26 Magic Johnson Award, presented to the NBA player who best combines on-court excellence with cooperation and charisma in dealings with the media and fans, the Professional Basketball Writers Association (PBWA) announced.

Victor Wembanyama, who averaged 25 points, 11.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 3.1 blocks per game this season, has been named an All-Star for the second time. Off the court, the San Antonio Spurs phenom has consistently fostered an atmosphere of mutual respect and openness with NBA beat reporters.

- Victor Wembanyama fully embodies the spirit of this award – as a superstar who is as thoughtful and engaging off the court as he is dominant on it - said PBWA President Howard Beck, adding: - He is generous, kind, and patient with reporters, willing to discuss almost any topic – from the MVP race to social justice and the aurora borealis. As one of our members put it, Victor is “a deep thinker who understands the power of his words.”

Beck further emphasized:

- Even with the immense attention and expectations he faces daily, Victor consistently approaches his interviews with enthusiasm and a sense of humor. The day before he was drafted in 2023, Victor stated his goal was to be the best in “all dimensions of the job,” including “the best in media, press conference stuff.” As on the court, he has more than delivered on his promise.

Wembanyama is the first Spurs player to win this award and, at 22 years old, is the youngest recipient since Kevin Durant – who was also 22 at the time – in 2011.

Donovan Mitchell of the Cleveland Cavaliers finished second for the second consecutive year. Other finalists, based on nominations from PBWA members, included Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors, Jaylen Brown of the Boston Celtics, and Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks.

The award, established in 2001, is named in honor of Irvin “Magic” Johnson, the former Los Angeles Lakers star whose Hall of Fame career was marked by consistent engagement, thoughtfulness, and graciousness with the media.

Under current PBWA rules, adopted in 2020, no player can receive this award in consecutive years. The PBWA comprises over 200 journalists and editors who regularly cover the NBA and WNBA.