San Antonio is buzzing with anticipation as the NBA announced its regular-season awards finalists, and the Spurs have emerged as one of the league's most celebrated teams this year. On April 19, 2026, the league revealed a star-studded list of candidates, with the Spurs boasting finalists in four major categories: Defensive Player of the Year, Most Valuable Player, Sixth Man of the Year, and Coach of the Year. After a remarkable season that saw the team clinch its first playoff berth in seven years, the recognition feels more than deserved.
Victor Wembanyama, the towering French phenom, has been at the heart of San Antonio's resurgence. Not only has he been named a finalist for Defensive Player of the Year, but he's also in the running for the NBA's Most Valuable Player award. Wembanyama's defensive impact has been nothing short of extraordinary—he led the league with 3.1 blocks per game and averaged a steal each night, making life miserable for opposing offenses. His season averages of 25 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 3.1 assists further underscore his all-around dominance. As he told reporters, "I do care deeply about it. I think that of the greats that are in the Hall of Fame, or the best of all time, they have fought and grabbed everything they could grab early on in their career. If I want to make my spot among the greats, I got to try to not miss any occasion to put my name up there."
Wembanyama faces stiff competition for Defensive Player of the Year from Chet Holmgren of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Ausar Thompson of the Detroit Pistons. Yet, there's a growing sentiment around the league that he might become the first-ever unanimous winner of the award. When asked if he would be surprised not to win, Wembanyama replied with a grin, wanting to know who else was even in contention. It’s that kind of quiet confidence that has propelled him—and the Spurs—back into the NBA’s spotlight.
For Most Valuable Player, Wembanyama finds himself up against two formidable opponents: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Thunder and three-time MVP Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets. While Jokic’s resume is legendary and Gilgeous-Alexander is the reigning regular season and Finals MVP, Wembanyama’s transformative effect on the Spurs is impossible to ignore. He led San Antonio to a 62-win season, their best mark in nearly a decade and a dramatic turnaround for a franchise that had missed the postseason for seven straight years.
San Antonio’s success isn’t just about one superstar. Keldon Johnson, the emotional heartbeat of the team, has been named a finalist for the Sixth Man of the Year award. Johnson’s consistency and energy off the bench have been crucial, as he played in all 82 games, averaging 13.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game. His efficiency was notable, shooting 36.3% from three-point range and 52% overall from the field. Johnson’s main rivals for the prestigious sixth man honor are Jaime Jaquez Jr. of the Miami Heat and Tim Hardaway Jr. of the Denver Nuggets. Both have strong cases—Jaquez is lauded for his offensive production, while Hardaway brings veteran savvy—but Johnson’s blend of hustle, leadership, and winning impact has certainly caught the league’s attention.
Johnson himself is not shy about his ambitions. "I’m very efficient, I’m a star in my role, and my team is winning," he said recently. "I feel like when you put those things together, why not? How can you not say I’m the Sixth Man of the Year? I feel like I show up every day and I do what I do." His drive and self-belief mirror the attitude that has defined this Spurs squad all season long.
Behind the scenes, head coach Mitch Johnson has orchestrated the turnaround with a deft touch. Johnson, now a finalist for Coach of the Year, guided the Spurs through a campaign marked by both resilience and flair. He’s up against J.B. Bickerstaff of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Joe Mazzulla of the Boston Celtics—both of whom have led their teams to impressive records. Yet, Johnson’s credentials are hard to match: he steered San Antonio to 62 wins, claimed Western Conference Coach of the Month honors in both December and February, and fostered a culture that balances individual achievement with collective goals. "Individual awards, accolades, recognition, acknowledgement is important, and I think when you have a team that understands that the greater good for the team and the group is the most important thing, it allows people to feel good about not only acknowledging others, but also being acknowledged in the moment," Johnson explained.
San Antonio fans are no strangers to NBA glory, but it’s been a while since the team has been this relevant in awards season. The last Spur to win MVP was Tim Duncan, who claimed back-to-back honors in 2002 and 2003. Kawhi Leonard was the franchise’s most recent Defensive Player of the Year, earning the award in 2015 and 2016. Manu Ginobili remains the only Spur to ever win Sixth Man of the Year, taking home the trophy in 2008. As for Coach of the Year, legendary coach Gregg Popovich was the last to receive it for San Antonio in 2014. The possibility of adding new names to this storied list has the city brimming with hope.
This year’s recognition isn’t just about individual brilliance. It’s a testament to the Spurs’ ability to blend new talent with established culture. Wembanyama’s meteoric rise, Johnson’s steady presence off the bench, and Mitch Johnson’s tactical acumen have all contributed to a season that’s rekindled memories of the franchise’s glory days. The awards themselves are still up for grabs, but the nominations alone reflect a remarkable collective effort.
Elsewhere in the NBA, finalists for other major awards were also announced. Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Deni Avdija, and Jalen Duren are up for Most Improved Player, while Anthony Edwards, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Jamal Murray are the Clutch Player of the Year candidates. The full list of finalists for Coach of the Year, Rookie of the Year, and MVP was revealed at halftime of the Pistons–Magic game, further fueling speculation and debate among fans and analysts alike.
As the Spurs prepare for their first playoff game as a group, the atmosphere in San Antonio is electric. The team’s achievements have reignited a passionate fan base and set the stage for what could be a historic postseason run. Whether or not Wembanyama, Johnson, or their coach walk away with hardware, the message is clear: the Spurs are back, and they’re hungry for more.
With the NBA awards still to be decided and the playoffs just beginning, all eyes will remain on San Antonio. The journey isn’t over yet, but the recognition is a powerful sign that the Spurs’ future is as bright as ever.