The NBA MVP race isn’t just about numbers—it’s about shifting how the NBA defines value.
During his appearance on Sactown Sports’ The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross, The Athletic’s Sam Amick made it clear that while reigning NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander may still be the favorite, Wembanyama has forced voters into a deeper conversation.
“I think it’s those two guys,” Amick said, referring to Gilgeous-Alexander and Wembanyama leading the race. “But if Victor and the Spurs passed them up… that’s remarkable.”
(Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)
More on the NBA MVP race
That potential shift in standings could be the defining factor. Voter momentum often follows team success, and Amick acknowledged the weight of narrative in the process.
“To compel the majority of the voters to come off one position… would require a big-time event like that,” he explained.
Still, even without overtaking Oklahoma City, Wembanyama is impacting the race in another way—by forcing defense back into the spotlight.
“That is a pet peeve of mine,” Amick said. “It’s literally half the game.”
For years, MVP discussions have been dominated by offensive production, benefiting stars like Nikola Jokić and Luka Dončić. But Wembanyama’s defensive presence is changing how voters evaluate overall impact.
“I like the fact that Victor is really forcing this conversation,” Amick added.
Equally important is how Wembanyama is going about it. Unlike many stars who shy away from campaigning, he’s been vocal about his case—and unapologetic.
Victor Wembanyama makes a strong case for why he should be the MVP 🤔
“My first one would be that defense is 50% of the game and that it is undervalued so far in the MVP race. I believe I’m the most impactful player defensively in the league. Second argument would be that we… pic.twitter.com/egEdL1KlBx
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) March 24, 2026
“It sits fine with me,” Amick said of Wembanyama’s self-promotion. “I feel like there’s a little bit of a golden boy thing happening with Victor… I don’t think he can do any wrong right now.”
That openness stands in contrast to Gilgeous-Alexander, who has taken a quieter approach.
“After a game like that, to say ‘I’ll let my game speak for itself’—that’s not a nothing statement,” Amick said.
The contrast between the two stars—Wembanyama’s personality and emotion versus SGA’s calm dominance—has added intrigue to the race. And according to Amick, that’s good for the league.
“In this day and age… people do enjoy a little bit of conflict,” he said. “Victor has made defense cool again.”
Check out the full conversation at the top of the page or by heading over to the Sactown Sports YouTube channel.
Listen to The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross from 6 – 10 a.m. PDT, Monday through Friday, on Sactown Sports 1140.
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