Victor Wembanyama could put the Spurs in a tough spot with his reckless elbow

TL;DR

Victor Wembanyama was ejected for elbowing Naz Reid during a playoff game, raising concerns about a potential suspension. The NBA faces a dilemma on how to handle the incident without setting a dangerous precedent.

Key points

Victor Wembanyama elbowed Naz Reid during a playoff game
He was ejected from the game for the incident
The NBA may consider a suspension for Wembanyama
There are concerns about setting a precedent for player behavior
Fan reactions to the incident were mixed

Victor WembanyamaNaz Reid

Victor Wembanyama is the main attraction of this year's NBA playoffs. The last thing anyone wants is for him to miss games.

But that’s exactly what should happen after the 7-foot-4 phenom elbowed Naz Reid in the neck and got himself ejected from Sunday’s game. The NBA can’t let that slide without a suspension.

Well, I guess it could. We'll find out soon enough. But the league shouldn't let it slide.

Admittedly, it’s a tough spot Wembanyama has put the NBA in. Because there are plenty of people ready to make excuses and overlook what appeared to be an intentional hostile act. Remember, he's the main attraction here. But it's a precedent the league likely doesn't want to set, that it's OK to throw bows out of frustration. Once you let Wembanyama get away with something like this, it becomes harder to hold others accountable for the same thing.

SHOCK & AWE: Dylan Harper's reaction to the elbow was priceless

Even tougher is the spot Wemby potentially put the Spurs in. If they have to play Game 5 without him, and fall to within one game of elimination as a result, Wembanyama won’t ever live it down if they fail to recover. Even if he goes on to have a long and successful career, he'll remember what could have been in 2026.

So what the Timberwolves are being physical, as the Spurs complained after the game? Make your plea in the presser, take it up with the league or match their physicality on the floor. Do all the things other teams do when they’re unhappy with officiating. But under no circumstances can you come out of character and put yourself in position to be suspended.

Just ask Draymond Green, who probably cost the Golden State Warriors the 2016 title with his suspension against the . The type of thing that last night.