A Spurs Historic First! Victor Wembanyama Wins the Magic Johnson Award, Outshining Curry, Giannis, and Others

17/04/2026 06:35:19 FieldFrenzy

On April 17, Beijing time, the Professional Basketball Writers Association announced that San Antonio Spurs' Victor Wembanyama has won the 2025-26 season Magic Johnson Award. This award honors NBA players who excel on the court while also demonstrating cooperation and grace when interacting with media and fans.

This season, Wembanyama averaged 25 points, 11.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists, led the league with 3.1 blocks per game, and was selected to the NBA All-Star team for the second time. Off the court, he consistently maintained a respectful, candid, and open communication atmosphere with NBA beat reporters.

Howard Beck, President of the Professional Basketball Writers Association, stated: "Victor Wembanyama perfectly embodies the core spirit of this award. As a superstar, he dominates on the court and is equally thoughtful and witty off it. He is open, approachable, patient with journalists, and willing to discuss a wide range of topics, from the regular season MVP race and social justice issues to fun subjects like the aurora borealis. As one association member noted, Victor is a profound thinker who understands the power of words."

Beck added: "Despite constantly being in the spotlight and facing immense expectations, Wembanyama approaches every interview with enthusiasm and humor. The day before the 2023 Draft, he stated his goal was to be 'a top-tier professional in all aspects,' including best media communication and high-quality press conference output. Now, he has perfectly fulfilled that promise both on the court and in his public persona."

Wembanyama is the first Spurs player ever to win this award. At 22 years old, he ties Kevin Durant (also 22 in 2011) as the youngest recipient.

Cleveland Cavaliers' Donovan Mitchell placed second in the voting for the second consecutive year. Other finalists nominated by association members included: Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry, Boston Celtics' Jaylen Brown, and Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo. The award was ultimately voted on by all association members.

The Magic Johnson Award was established in 2001, named after the legendary star "Magic" Johnson. The former Los Angeles Lakers star maintained a humorous, insightful, and humble attitude towards media throughout his Hall of Fame career.

The Professional Basketball Writers Association annually awards three honors: the Brian McIntyre Award for outstanding team public relations staff, the Rudy Tomjanovich Award for coaches who communicate excellently, and the Magic Johnson Award for star players, recognizing those who cooperate well with media and help fans understand the game. The association updated its rules in 2020: the same team or individual cannot win an association award consecutively.

The association consists of over 200 writers and editors who cover NBA and WNBA games for newspapers, magazines, and major online news platforms.

Magic Johnson Award Historical Winners List

2000-01 Season｜Ray Allen, Milwaukee Bucks

2001-02 Season｜Elton Brand, Los Angeles Clippers

2002-03 Season｜Jalen Rose, Chicago Bulls

2003-04 Season｜Jermaine O'Neal, Indiana Pacers

2004-05 Season｜Antawn Jamison, Washington Wizards

2005-06 Season｜Grant Hill, Orlando Magic

2006-07 Season｜Shane Battier, Houston Rockets

2007-08 Season｜Derek Fisher, Los Angeles Lakers

2008-09 Season｜Brandon Roy, Portland Trail Blazers

2009-10 Season｜Chris Bosh, Toronto Raptors