THE TAKE
Yeah, I said it: Wemby is the best player in the world.
BOLDNESS
75/100
GRADE
52/100
PLAYERS / TEAMS
Victor Wembanyama
GRADING CRITERIA
TRUE IF
Victor Wembanyama wins the 2025-26 NBA MVP award, is named to the All-NBA First Team, or is ranked #1 in a consensus end-of-season best player rankings aggregated from at least three major outlets (e.g. ESPN, The Ringer, B/R).
FALSE IF
he finishes outside the top 3 in MVP voting and is not widely recognized as the top player by season's end.
bold callhot takecontrarian
OUTCOME
PARTIALLY TRUEWembanyama did NOT win the 2026 NBA MVP — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander won his second consecutive award, with Wembanyama finishing third in voting behind Jokic. However, Wembanyama WAS named to the All-NBA First Team (his first such selection), won a unanimous Defensive Player of the Year award, and was widely regarded as a transcendent talent — but consensus end-of-season 'best player' rankings placed SGA and Jokic clearly above him. The resolution criteria are split: the All-NBA First Team condition is met, but the MVP condition is not, and he was not ranked #1 by any major outlet.