The situation involving Victor Wembanyama has definitely reignited a long-standing debate – does the NBA treat superstars differently when it comes to discipline?
In Game 4 of the second round series between the San Antonio Spurs and Minnesota Timberwolves, Wembanyama was ejected after a flagrant 2 foul on Naz Reid during a rebound battle.
By rule, that ejection was automatic.
The controversy, however, stems from what didn’t happen next – there was no suspension or a fine from the high-stakes playoff series for the French phenom in Game 5.
As a result, that decision did not sit well with Draymond Green, who took a sarcastic swipe at the NBA, implying a double standard.
Draymond’s suspension changed the course of the series
Over the first four games of the 2016 NBA Finals, Draymond was averaging 14.8 points, 9.3 rebounds and 5.8 assists; clearly, he had the production that not only gave the Golden State Warriors a major boost in the series, but he also helped stabilize the team on both ends of the court, serving as a defensive leader, but also an important piece on the offense as a screen setter for Stephen Curry.
His vision was also terrific, hitting guys in stride from the top of the key for easy layups after they cut to the rim.
However, late in Game 4, Green was ejected for hitting LeBron James in the groin and was immediately suspended for the next game as well.
In Dray’s absence, James and Kyrie Irving combined for 82 points to hand the Cavs a 112-97 win and perhaps give them the required boost to uplift their morale and swing the momentum of the series.
It’s just one of many “dirty” moments Green has had on the floor over the years, but this one had the most implications.
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Wemby’s absence could have been equally catastrophic
With Wembanyama missing nearly three quarters in Game 4, the Timberwolves wholeheartedly capitalized on the absence of the youngest DPOY.
In the fourth quarter, the Timberwolves relentlessly attacked the paint to outscore the Spurs 34-25 to tie this playoff series 2-2 with a nail-biting 114-109 win.
Moreover, it was the first contest where Anthony Edwards truly made his presence known in the series, scoring a game-high 36 points, including 16 in the fourth quarter alone, where he shot 6-8. Additionally, with Wemby sidelined, Terrence Shannon Jr. and Reid, too, attacked the paint at will, scoring a combined 14 on 6-of-11 shooting in the second half to make the Spurs even more vulnerable.
So, had Wemby been suspended for Game 5, San Antonio would have been far from their most comfortable self and perhaps that could’ve given Anthony Edwards & Co. the chance to close off the series heading back to Minnesota in Game 6.
But, as things stand, it does seem that the league did not want to rule out a superstar from a tightly contested series, especially when the series is moving to his home court.
And thus, Green’s sarcastic response seems justified – he was suspended since he did not have the same superstar support behind him. On the other hand, the NBA made sure to go overboard with Wemby as he has millions of eyeballs on him during the 2026 playoffs.
Related: “They the new grit-and-grind” – Paul Pierce challenges Victor Wembanyama to match the Wolves’ physicality
This story was originally published by Basketball Network on May 11, 2026, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
