Victor Wembanyama has made waves in the NBA, earning a spot on the 2026 All-NBA First Team with an impressive 99 out of 100 votes. However, one voter, Justin Termine from SiriusXM NBA Radio, placed Wembanyama on the second team instead. In a recent social media video, Termine explained that his vote wasn’t about doubting Wembanyama’s talent, which many consider to be among the best in all sports.
“I see Wembanyama as the best player right now,” Termine stated. He revealed that while he ranks Wembanyama third for MVP, he believed Nikola Jokić had a better regular season, which influenced his decision. Termine has always voted by position, and his choice reflects a historical perspective shaped by past players who faced tough competition.
He pointed to Patrick Ewing, one of the dominant centers of the 90s, who fell short in MVP voting in 1994 due to the presence of legendary players like Hakeem Olajuwon and Shaquille O’Neal. “People will wonder why Wembanyama and Jokić made so many first teams, but Ewing was left out,” Termine noted.
The NBA has shifted its rules around positional voting over the years, particularly after Joel Embiid’s stellar performances went unrecognized during Jokić’s rise. That change aimed to prevent historical oversights that once affected stars like Ewing.
Today, Wembanyama continues to shine during the Western Conference Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder, further boosting his reputation. Mike Tirico, a prominent sports broadcaster, admitted that he often struggles to contain his excitement while discussing Wembanyama’s talent.
Termine’s unusual vote might seem like a critique, but he insists it’s more about honoring the legacy of past players who had to contend with the unexpected dominance of their peers. “Voting without considering positions has overlooked the history of the sport,” he argued.
In an era where new talent is constantly emerging, Wembanyama stands out. Analysts agree that he represents a significant shift in how we view athletic prowess, combining size and skill in a way never seen before. As he continues to captivate audiences and break records, the debate around voting and recognition in sports remains ever relevant.
This conversation about player recognition is not just current; it reflects broader patterns we see throughout sports history regarding how players are acknowledged based on their positions and the talent surrounding them.
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All-NBA First Team,Justin Termine,NBA awards voting,Nikola Jokic,patrick ewing,SiriusXM NBA Radio,Victor Wembanyama
