Home/Articles/NBA
NBA·May 11, 2026 05:33 PM ET

Perkins rips NBA for not suspending Wembanyama, says league chose stardom over player safety

Perkins says NBA picked star power over safety.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated May 112 min read
Post on X
SA
San Antonio SpursNBA
"Did the NBA get it right? In my opinion, no, because you prioritized superstardom and views over someone's health." —@ Video

What happened: On ESPN, Kendrick Perkins blasted the NBA for declining to suspend San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama for an on-court incident, telling SportsCenter the league 'got it' wrong. Perkins argued the no-suspension ruling 'prioritized superstardom and views over someone's health.' The league instead handled the play through a lesser disciplinary measure rather than a game ban.

Why it matters: The take lands in a season where Wembanyama is already a central marketing pillar for the NBA, and any discipline carries playoff and award-eligibility weight for the Spurs. Perkins's framing — stardom over safety — taps the recurring debate over whether the league disciplines stars on a different scale than role players. It also reopens scrutiny of the league's review process after a high-profile flashpoint involving its most-watched young player.

What to watch: Watch for any follow-up clarification from the NBA's basketball operations office and for Spurs head coach comments before San Antonio's next game. Wembanyama's availability and 65-game award-eligibility status remain the operational story to track.

Sources

More on Victor Wembanyama

CONVERSATION
Loading comments…
NBAAnalysisSan Antonio SpursVictor Wembanyama
Follow NBA Intelligence
Real-time signals and analysis
@WireReportNBA
WR Pro
The day's sports, briefed to your inbox at 7am ET. Every claim sourced.
$9/monthFree weekly newsletter →
RELATED STORIES
← Back to Wire Report