Victor Wembanyama’s Postseason Struggles after NBA Finals
Following the 2026 NBA Finals, which saw the Knicks triumph over the Spurs, much of the discussion shifted towards Victor Wembanyama’s disappointing performance during the playoffs.
As soon as the final whistle blew in Game 5, the towering French player, standing 7-foot-4, skipped the customary handshake line and headed directly to the locker room. This move didn’t do him any favors in terms of public relations.
Wembanyama had faced criticism earlier in the series for a reckless foul against Brunson, but there was also a moment when he was spotted smiling at Mitchell Robinson during a tense exchange.
When it came to accepting the loss, Wembanyama opted not to engage on the court, and his comments after the game didn’t shed much light on his decision to walk off.
Charles Barkley expressed his frustration regarding Wembanyama being labeled as the ‘Face of the League’.
This situation opened the door for opinions from one of the NBA’s most outspoken critics, Draymond Green. It’s somewhat ironic, given that Green is known for blurring the boundaries between basketball and MMA; now, he’s offering advice on sportsmanship.
What’s surprising isn’t necessarily Green’s lack of self-awareness—though it’s certainly there—but that he actually has insights to share with a young player like Wembanyama.
In the latest episode of “The Draymond Green Show,” Green candidly addressed Wembanyama’s choice to avoid the handshake line.
Draymond Green expressed anger over being perceived as an ‘angry black man’ due to his outspoken nature.
“You have to look the opponent in the eye,” Green advised Wembanyama. “If you walk off the court without facing me and I decide to confront you later, I’ll know I’ve gained the upper hand because you didn’t confront me.”
His advice, while perhaps sounding peculiar, holds a certain truth. When it comes to professional sports, confronting consequences—no matter the outcome—is essential.
By choosing to leave the court promptly, Wembanyama handed critics an easy target, shifting the conversation from the Knicks’ celebration to his temperament.
Despite this setback, Wembanyama remains one of the brightest emerging talents in the league. Learning to handle defeat is a crucial part of the professional journey.
Initially seen as the next big thing for the NBA, his reaction after such a heavy loss caught the attention of many fans who were starting to believe the hype surrounding him.
Now, those lofty expectations seem somewhat diminished.
