Victor Wembanyama criticizes NBA concussion protocols

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Victor Wembanyama criticizes NBA concussion protocols

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated Apr 27, 2026 4:00 PM ET

San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama voiced frustration with the NBA’s concussion protocol after returning for Game 4 of the Western Conference Quarterfinals.

Wembanyama said after Sunday’s win over the Portland Trail Blazers that he felt the way the protocol was handled was “very disappointing.” He refused to open up about why, though he did say the doctors involved in treating him were “great.”

ESPN’s Shams Charania offered more context on Monday in an appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show.” He suggested that there was conflict between the Spurs’ doctors and the NBA’s concussion doctors over whether Wembanyama would be cleared to play in Game 3.

“He felt he was cleared to play Friday. He felt like the Spurs doctors had cleared him to play. And that’s why the frustration comes into play when the league decides he wasn’t,” Charania said (video here; warning: viewer discretion advised).

Wembanyama suffered a concussion in Game 2 when he fell hard and hit his head on the floor. He was ruled out of Game 3, though he still attended and let the Blazers have it from the bench.

Ultimately, Wembanyama returned for Game 4 and put up 27 points and 12 rebounds. His Spurs can close out the series in Game 5 Tuesday with one more victory.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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