Victor Wembanyama predicted to win MVP and DPOY in 2026-27 by Tracy McGrady

Victor Wembanyama will win the NBA’s MVP and Defensive Player of the Year in 2026-27, according to Hall of Famer Tracy McGrady.

What did McGrady say?

McGrady made the bold prediction on July 21, 2026, during an episode of *Cousins*. He claimed Wembanyama will sweep the awards next season, adding that the Spurs center will also win the in-season Tournament MVP. “He’s going to win Defensive Player of the Year. He’s gonna win MVP,” McGrady said. “He’s gonna win the in-season Tournament MVP. He’s going to sweep.” The former NBA star also believes Wembanyama’s motivation after the Spurs’ six-game loss to the New York Knicks in the 2026 NBA Finals will drive San Antonio back to the title.

Why this matters for Victor Wembanyama

If Wembanyama delivers on McGrady’s forecast, he’ll join an elite trio in NBA history. Only Michael Jordan (1987-88), Hakeem Olajuwon (1993-94), and Giannis Antetokounmpo (2019-20) have claimed both MVP and DPOY in the same season. Wembanyama already owns a DPOY trophy from last year, while finishing third in the 2025-26 MVP race behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic.

How Wembanyama could pull it off

The 22-year-old French center just posted career highs in points (25.0), rebounds (11.5), and field-goal percentage (51.2%) last season. He also led the league in blocks (3.1) and added 3.1 assists, 1.0 steals, and a 34.9% three-point clip. McGrady argues Wembanyama’s hunger after the Finals defeat will fuel a historic leap. “Because he’s going to be motivated,” McGrady said, “I’m going San Antonio Spurs to be right back in that position and to win a championship.”

What comes next?

The Spurs will look to rebound from their Finals loss with Wembanyama as the centerpiece. His rookie-season Rookie of the Year (2023-24) and last year’s DPOY show his rapid rise. If McGrady’s prediction holds, Wembanyama could rewrite history-and silence any doubters in one fell swoop.