Victor Wembanyama is painfully close to making NBA history

After winning their 60th game, the San Antonio Spurs are putting the finishing touches on a terrific regular season. So is Victor Wembanyama, who is on pace to qualify for end-of-season awards, most notably Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY).

For much of the season, there was a question as to whether he would reach the 65-game player minimum. As a result, he often lagged behind in DPOY odds even though many view him as the game's best defensive player.

Now, with him on the verge of qualifying for the award, he could make history by becoming the first unanimous DPOY winner.

Victor Wembanyama should be the first unanimous DPOY winner

Had Wembanyama played enough games to qualify for the award last season, he likely would have had a better chance at being a unanimous winner. However, the field is much stronger this year.

Chet Holmgren is having a fantastic defensive season, as is Rudy Gobert. Both are likely to poach some first-place votes from Wemby.

Even so, it would be surprising if Wembanyama didn't win the award after leading the NBA in total blocks and blocks per game in each of the last three seasons. He is long overdue for the award, and it could be the first of many DPOYs, unanimous or not.

Wembanyama's defensive impact should make him the MVP

Although he is unlikely to win the award, his defensive impact has made him an MVP candidate. He previously pointed out that defense is 50% of the game, and him being the best defender in the NBA should give him a leg up in MVP discussions.

He'll likely finish in the top three in MVP voting. However, this season could be the stepping stone to an even better playoffs that culminates with him winning NBA Finals MVP.

Or, he could emerge as the favorite to win MVP next season with a strong playoff showing this year.

Wemby's offense sets him apart from most Defensive Player of the Year winners

Were he to win the award, he'd be among just six winners to have also averaged at least 24 points during the same season. That includes the likes of David Robinson, Hakeem Olajuwon, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Michael Jordan.

That stat alone won't have any bearing on his DPOY candidacy, but it shows his overall impact and why he should be MVP. That may not ultimately happen this season, with Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander likely to win the award.

Nevertheless, Wembanyama should be the favorite to win Defensive Player of the Year. In fact, he should win unanimously, although he may have to settle for receiving a majority of first-place votes on his way to winning DPOY.