The NBA is looking for its next face of the league as the old guard, which includes household names such as LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Stephen Curry, gets closer and closer to retirement.
Names like Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards and Hornets standout LaMelo Ball are among the most marketable young stars in the league, but the most recognizable young player may just be Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama.
Unfortunately, the 7’4″ Wembanyama was ejected from Game 4 of the Spurs playoff series against the Timberwolves after being assessed a flagrant 2 foul for elbowing Naz Reid in the face. The league has yet to decide whether Wembanyam will face further punishment, but one figure in sports media and former player is calling for a suspension.
On Monday’s episode of First Take, Kendrick Perkins made it clear that he feels that Wemby should be suspended regardless of his budding stardom.
“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 Nas 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.
“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.”@KendrickPerkins says he wants Wemby suspended for Game 5 for elbowing Naz Reid 😳 👀 pic.twitter.com/AvivXKRp8p
— First Take (@FirstTake) May 11, 2026
“And if you do that, you’re sending a horrible message.”
Spurs coach Mitch Johnson feels that Wembanyama’s actions were caused by the officials failing to consistently call the contact he deals with, and feels no further punishment is needed.
“They did what they did because of the outcome of the play,” Johnson said of calling the flagrant 2 being called. “So be it. But to have anything on top of that I think would be ridiculous.”
It’ll be interesting to see where things go from here.
About Qwame Skinner
Qwame Skinner has loved both writing and sports his entire life. In addition to his sports coverage at Comeback Media, Qwame writes novels, and his debut; The First Casualty, an adult fantasy, is out now.