Wembanyama Questions NBA Concussion Protocol After Controversial Playoff Absence

Clear Facts

• Victor Wembanyama returned to lead the Spurs to a 114-93 Game 4 victory over Portland after missing Game 3 due to concussion protocol
• The unanimous NBA Defensive Player of the Year publicly criticized how the league handled his concussion situation, calling it “very disappointing”
• Wembanyama posted 27 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 blocks in his return, with the team announcing his clearance just one hour before tip-off

San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama didn’t hold back his frustration with the NBA’s concussion protocol process after returning to action in a dominant Game 4 performance against the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday night. The 7-foot-4 phenom delivered a statement game with 27 points, 11 rebounds, and seven blocks in the Spurs’ 114-93 victory.

But it was his post-game comments that raised eyebrows across the league.

“The way the situation was handled was very disappointing,” Wembanyama told reporters.

“I’m not saying that not playing was a good or bad decision. It was a decision, I’m not saying it was good or bad. But the way the situation was handled, very disappointing.”

Wembanyama sustained the injury in the first half of the Spurs’ 106-103 loss to Portland in Game 2 on Tuesday. He didn’t return to the game and traveled to Portland while continuing the steps required to be cleared for Game 4, missing Game 3 entirely.

The timing of his clearance also raised questions—the team announced Wembanyama would be able to play just one hour before tip-off. Such last-minute decisions in playoff basketball can significantly impact preparation and game-planning for both teams.

“I won’t get into details. I don’t want it to become a distraction. Ask me again after the end of the season,” Wembanyama said.

The unanimous NBA Defensive Player of the Year averaged 25 points, 11.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 3.1 blocks per game during the regular season. His absence in Game 3 was a significant blow to the Spurs’ playoff hopes, making the controversy surrounding his clearance process all the more significant.

Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson said the team was prepared to play without Wembanyama if he wasn’t cleared.

“Fortunately, we have a little experience preparing for a variety of lineups and rotations,” Johnson said before the game.

“I think the guys have really empowered us as a staff, I’d say, throughout the season, of being able to have a brand and identity regardless of availability.”

Under current NBA rules, players diagnosed with a concussion must clear a series of benchmarks before they are allowed to return to play. The results are compared to baseline neurological evaluations players take at the start of the season. While player safety is paramount, Wembanyama’s comments suggest potential issues with how the protocol is administered or communicated.

Game 5 is set for Tuesday night back in San Antonio, where the Spurs will look to advance in the playoffs with their French superstar back in the lineup. Whether the league addresses Wembanyama’s concerns about the concussion protocol process remains to be seen.

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