Kendrick Perkins sounds off on NBA’s greed after Victor Wembanyama avoids suspension

He added, “Someone’s head that could have caused serious damage to him if that was a temple shot? That’s what you’re telling me, because Wemby is a star that he shouldn’t be penalized like anybody else? That’s unacceptable.”

Wembanyama was ejected from Game 4 after being assessed a Flagrant 2 for elbowing Reid in the second quarter. The Spurs went on to lose 114-109, with the Minnesota Timberwolves tying the series at 2-2.

That ejection was serious on its own. But the lack of added punishment is what turned the incident into a bigger league-wide argument.

NBA greed accusation came from the Victor Wembanyama outcome

Perkins then pushed the point beyond one play, warning that the NBA’s response would tell fans what the league actually values when a star player is involved.

“Well, I’mma tell you what, they better do it. And if they don’t, it’s going to be a horrible look for Adam Silver and the NBA.

“… 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,” Perkins continued.

“… And all eyes are watching because if the NBA decides not to suspend him, then they’re sending the message that they prioritize views, stardom, and money over a person’s well-being,” he concluded.

That was the real accusation. Perkins was saying the league risked looking greedy if Wembanyama’s availability mattered more than the act itself.

The optics were difficult because Wembanyama is one of the NBA’s biggest draws. Game 5 needed him, the Spurs needed him, and the league benefits when he is on the floor.

Still, Perkins’ point was about consistency. If another player had thrown the same elbow, he believes the reaction may have looked different.

Read more:

• Draymond Green sends pointed message after Victor Wembanyama’s ejection for Naz Reid elbow
• Naz Reid’s blunt answer on Wembanyama’s elbow leaves Edwards and Dosunmu laughing
• Victor Wembanyama suffers two unwanted career firsts against the Wolves