Victor Wembayama at risk due to the 65-game rule

The season of Victor Wembayama had taken shape as a defensive manifesto. The French star leads the NBA in blocks with 3.6 per game and tops defensive rebounds with 10.9. Meanwhile, the Spurs hold a top-five defense whenever he is on the floor. But a strain in his left calf will sideline him for several weeks, putting at risk more than just his daily impact. His eligibility for end-of-season awards, especially Defensive Player of the Year, is now in question.

Since the NBA established the 65-game threshold to qualify for major awards, health stopped being a minor detail and became a strict requirement. For Victor Wembayama, missing several weeks at this stage complicates the count. San Antonio plays six games this month, and if his return is pushed into December, the absences could quickly climb toward the limit. It’s the kind of schedule that turns a “manageable” injury into a competitive risk. According to Sportingnews, the Spurs’ priority is his long-term health over any trophy. Still, the scenario leaves open the possibility that Wemby could once again fall out of the DPOY conversation.

Recent precedent doesn’t help

Last season, Victor Wembayama looked like the favorite until a deep vein thrombosis limited him to 46 games, far from the minimum. Without eligibility, the award went to Evan Mobley, an excellent defender, though consensus suggested the Frenchman had been the most impactful anchor on that end of the floor. Two seasons of dominance without hardware create an uncomfortable narrative: the level is there, but the recognition isn’t.

 

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History also matters. As a rookie, Victor Wembayama finished second in voting behind Rudy Gobert, who claimed his fourth DPOY and tied the all-time record. The chance to challenge that mark exists—thanks to his versatility, wingspan, and game reading—but it depends on continuity and availability. His blend of size and mobility allows him to protect the rim, defend in space, and cover teammates’ mistakes in a single possession. In short, the Frenchman is the prototype of the modern defender who changes ecosystems.

What comes next?

For Victor Wembayama, the ideal plan is a smooth return and careful load management. No rushing timelines, but maximizing high-impact minutes when available. For San Antonio, the challenge is to sustain defensive structure—coverages, communication, control of second chances—without overburdening him immediately. The 65-game rule forces teams to play with reduced margins: fewer unnecessary rests, more focus on avoiding setbacks.

If Victor Wembayama prioritizes recovery and returns in time, the race for DPOY will remain open. Still, the calendar is unforgiving, and the award could slip away again due to an off-court factor. Frustrating, yes, but realistic. Wemby’s NBA story is only beginning, and with continuity, recognition will come. His impact is already evident every night: when he plays, the rim shrinks and the Spurs’ defense organizes. When he doesn’t, the difference is obvious. And that, in essence, is the most honest proof of a Defensive Player of the Year in the making.