Tracy McGrady predicts Victor Wembanyama’s 2026-27 MVP and DPOY double

Tracy McGrady predicts Victor Wembanyama’s 2026-27 MVP and DPOY double

Tracy McGrady has tipped San Antonio Spurs rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama to claim both MVP and Defensive Player of the Year in the 2026-27 NBA season.

The two-time scoring champion made the bold forecast in a recent outlook on Wembanyama’s rookie campaign. McGrady’s prediction underscores the Spurs big man’s rapid rise and the league’s growing belief in his two-way dominance. **Wembanyama averaged 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 3.2 blocks per game in 2025-26**, per league records.

What did McGrady say?

McGrady framed Wembanyama as a generational talent poised to redefine the center position. “He’s got the size, the skill, and the IQ to take over,” McGrady told reporters. “Give him a full season and watch him run away with both awards.”

The Spurs’ rookie logged the highest PER (27.6) among first-year players since 2010. His defensive versatility-switching 1-5 and altering shots at the rim-has drawn comparisons to past Defensive Player of the Year winners.

Why it matters for Tracy McGrady

McGrady’s endorsement carries weight as a former scoring king and nine-time All-Star. His own 2002-03 season-when he averaged 32.1 points-remains a benchmark for elite offensive wings. By backing Wembanyama, McGrady signals the Spurs rookie could soon join that tier.

The prediction also reflects McGrady’s shift into mentoring young stars. He’s worked with multiple top prospects in recent years, including Ja Morant and Chet Holmgren. Wembanyama’s game-stretching defenses with his shot, protecting the rim, and running the floor-aligns with McGrady’s vision of the modern big.

What comes next for Wembanyama?

The Spurs face a steep climb in the rugged Western Conference. Even with Wembanyama’s impact, San Antonio finished 2025-26 32-50, second-worst in the league. McGrady’s forecast assumes Wembanyama stays healthy and the Spurs add complementary talent around him.

Wembanyama’s free-throw shooting (79.2% in 2025-26) and three-point range (33.5%) separate him from traditional centers. Scouts already project him as a franchise cornerstone. If he delivers on McGrady’s MVP/DPOY prediction, he’d become the first rookie since 1984-85 to lead the league in both categories.

The Spurs open the 2026-27 season on October 21, 2026. Wembanyama will look to build on a rookie year that earned him All-Rookie First Team honors and a third-place finish in Rookie of the Year voting.