The NBA is on the hunt for its next superstar—the fresh face to carry the torch as legends like LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Stephen Curry inch toward retirement. Names like Anthony Edwards of the Timberwolves and LaMelo Ball of the Hornets are already making waves as marketable young talents. But one player stands above the rest—literally. San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama, at a towering 7'4", has quickly become the most recognizable young star in the league.
However, the rookie phenom now finds himself at the center of a heated controversy. During Game 4 of the Spurs' playoff series against the Timberwolves, Wembanyama was ejected after receiving a flagrant 2 foul for elbowing Naz Reid in the face. The NBA has yet to decide on further punishment, but one former player and current sports media figure is calling for a suspension.
On Monday's episode of First Take, Kendrick Perkins didn't mince words. "Well, I'm gonna tell you what, they better do it, and if they don't, it's gonna be a horrible look on Adam Silver and the NBA if they allow him to get away with this without suspending him for Game 5," Perkins said. "He looked Naz Reid in the eye and lined him up and hit him with a vicious elbow. That could have caused serious injuries to that man. And if they don't suspend him, it's going to tell a lot of fans what the NBA is about, because it can't be about protecting players. It's going to be about money, views, and stardom."
Perkins doubled down, adding, "They better do it. And if they don't, it's going to be a horrible look on Adam Silver and the NBA if they allow him to get away with this. … Wemby should be suspended for a Game 5. And if you do that, you're sending a horrible message."
On the other side of the debate, Spurs coach Mitch Johnson defended his star player. Johnson argued that Wembanyama's frustration stemmed from inconsistent officiating, noting that the rookie often endures heavy contact without calls. "They did wh—" Johnson began, suggesting that the referees' failure to protect Wembanyama on the court led to the incident. He believes no further punishment is necessary.
With the series hanging in the balance, the NBA now faces a tough decision: protect the league's rising star or send a clear message about player safety. Either way, all eyes will be on Game 5.