Kendrick Perkins made a larger point while reacting to Victor Wembanyama’s latest comments about chasing the NBA’s biggest individual honors. Perkins praised the Spurs star for saying the quiet part out loud: that he wants to win MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, and even take part in the Slam Dunk Contest one day.
In Perkins’ view, that kind of openness matters in a league where some stars have often chosen to downplay individual goals or avoid the pressure that comes with being seen as the future face of the NBA.
That is what makes Wembanyama’s stance stand out. He has not hidden from expectations. Just days ago, he said he wants to win both MVP and DPOY and described his focus as taking care of his body, sleep, treatment, and routine so he can push through the rest of the season at a high level. Earlier this year, he also said he would be in the dunk contest “one day,” a remark that immediately fueled excitement because established stars rarely commit themselves so directly to that event.
Perkins’ reaction reflects why those comments resonated. Ambition has always been part of the mythology of great players. Wembanyama is not speaking in vague clichés about team goals alone; he is openly attaching himself to the highest standards the sport offers. That does not guarantee trophies, but it does show a mindset that veterans and analysts tend to respect. Perkins even connected that approach to earlier examples of stars publicly declaring what they wanted before they achieved it, framing Wembanyama’s words less as arrogance and more as competitive intent.
Kendrick Perkins on Wembanyama wanting MVP & DPOY:
“Wemby thank you bro. Like, seriously thank you. Because for so many years players have tried to either sh*t on certain accolades, individual accolades or down play being the face of the league. Wemby has done a complete… https://t.co/PMSxs54kah pic.twitter.com/PXaMCULP68
— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) March 17, 2026
There is substance behind the talk, too. Wembanyama already established himself as one of the league’s most impactful two-way players early in his career, and the combination of his scoring, rim protection, and all-around presence has made awards conversations around him feel natural rather than forced. His recent public comments did not create that expectation from nothing. They simply confirmed that he sees the same ceiling everyone else does.
