Just barely into his third NBA season, San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama has put the NBA on notice. Even before he stepped foot on an NBA parquet, the Spurs star was predicted to be a transcendent player.
Even though he proved from the jump that he was special, this season, Wembanyama looks like he’s ready to take the league by storm. He’s driven up the hype so much that he’s already getting discussed as the greatest to ever play. However, some may take issue with that, given that neither he nor San Antonio has accomplished much during his tenure.
Who Said Victor Wembanyama Could Be in the GOAT Conversation?
On ESPN’s “NBA Today,” former NBA player Kendrick Perkins caught the internet’s eye when he claimed that Wembanyama would be in the conversation for the greatest NBA player of all time.
“The GOAT conversation is going to go like this: MJ, Bron, and Wemby,” Perkins said, though he added that it would depend on whether Wembanyama stays healthy. His last season was cut short prematurely because of a blood clot.
“The GOAT conversation is going to go like this: MJ, Bron, and Wemby.”@KendrickPerkins believes Victor Wembanyama will be in the GOAT conversation with Michael Jordan and LeBron James 👀 pic.twitter.com/aSN4hyZlqO
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) October 28, 2025
Needless to say, fans were quick to question Perkins’ take on Wembanyama.
“This is absurd to declare at this point in his career. Yes, he’s had an amazing start to the season. It’s been 5 games though. Maybe pump the breaks first and let’s see if it’s sustainable. Gotta stop with these extreme declarations, just let them play,” one wrote.
Another echoed the same sentiment, adding that there should be a different discussion currently surrounding Wembanyama.
“All of this is premature. Wemby is a beast, no doubt. I’ve never seen player that big, move like he does. He could use some more weight, but aside from that, he has next to zero flaws.. the better discussion should be how the Spurs are coming for OKC, and this is a rivalry in the making.”
MORE: NBA Analyst Makes Bold Claim About Victor Wembanyama’s MVP Chances
Another fan wrote that the Wembanyama praise is slightly excessive, posting, “The glazing is getting out of hand.”
One was unhappy about one player who was excluded from the debate, writing, “The disrespect to Kobe continues.”
Fans first have to remember that analysts like Perkins do this. They come up with takes that will stir the pot because they want to get a reaction. Declaring Wembanyama as a candidate to be the GOAT fits that bill as he’s just started his third season. Is anyone even sure he’ll be the best Spur of all time?
The unintended consequence is that it drives undeserved fan hatred towards Wembanyama. It will make it harder for fans to enjoy the experience he brings to the court, one defined by his unique skill at 7’4″. Putting him on such a pedestal so early on is unfair, and while it’s okay to have debates like this, doing so too early helps nobody.
