Former NBA star vows to ‘protest’ Victor Wembanyama in his race for prestigious award

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One former NBA star believes Victor Wembanyama doesn’t belong in one award race.

Victor Wembanyama recently made it a habit to come off the bench for the San Antonio Spurs, as he recovered from a calf strain.

However, with some in the league suggesting that Wembanyama could be a Sixth Man of the Year contender, former winner Lou Williams had to step in.

Lou Williams says Victor Wembanyama must face similar scrutiny to him in Sixth Man race

Lou Williams had a laugh over the idea of Victor Wembanyama competing for Sixth Man of the Year, joking that he’d “protest” if the Spurs rookie ever took home the award.

The three-time NBA Sixth Man of the Year joined Run It Back on FanDuel TV, where he reacted to the suggestion that Wembanyama could be considered for the award if San Antonio kept him in a bench role.

Williams, one of the greatest bench scorers in league history, made it clear he wouldn’t take that scenario lightly — but all in good humor.

“He’s got to come behind me… I’m protesting. I’m going to protest the same way teams protested against me — saying, ‘Why is this guy coming off the bench, averaging 25 points a game? Why is he coming off the bench?’

“So if Wemby came off the bench and he’s interrupting my Sixth Man of the Year runs, I’m protesting. It’s not fair, it’s not right. He doesn’t deserve to be on the bench. We’re protesting. We’re standing outside the arena.”

A lighthearted nod to the NBA’s bench hierarchy

Lou Williams’ remarks were all in good fun, but they spoke to the pride he takes in a role he helped redefine.

Over 17 seasons, the former Clippers and Raptors guard won three Sixth Man of the Year awards and, alongside Jamal Crawford, became the face of the role.

Wembanyama, meanwhile, has made headlines early in his rookie year for his ability to impact games even in limited minutes.

Although San Antonio has since moved him back into the starting lineup, Williams’ comments captured both the humor and respect that surround the NBA’s top bench players.

For someone who built his career as the league’s ultimate spark plug, Williams made it clear that if anyone’s going to change the Sixth Man conversation, they’ll have to do it after him.

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