Wemby is up against Chet Holmgren and Ausar Thompson for his first major award in his career.
SAN ANTONIO — A few hours before the Spurs officially returned to playoff basketball, two members of the team were named finalists for two coveted NBA awards.
Victor Wembanyama was named a finalist for the Defensive Player of the Year award along with Chet Holmgren of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Ausar Thompson on the Detroit Pistons. Wemby blocked a league-leading 3.1 shots a game while also averaging a steal a game as well.
Keldon Johnson was named a finalist for the Sixth Man of the Year award along with Tim Hardaway Jr. of the Pistons and Jaime Jaquez Jr. of the Miami Heat. Johnson averaged 13.2 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.4 assists on 36.3% shooting from 3-point range in 82 games off the bench for San Antonio this season.
During halftime of the Orlando Magic-Detroit Pistons game, the finalists for the MVP, Rookie of the Year and Coach of the Year will also be announced. Wembanyama also looks to be a finalist for the MVP while Mitch Johnson also has hopes to get some Coach of the Year votes after a 62-win season.