Kendrick Perkins has certainly stirred the pot with his latest proclamation, putting the spotlight squarely on Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs as they gear up to face the Oklahoma City Thunder. On "First Take," Perkins didn't just offer praise; he made a prediction that sent ripples through the NBA community.
Perkins boldly declared, “The San Antonio Spurs are going to win the NBA championship this year.” That's a hefty statement, especially with the Thunder being touted as the favorites in the West. But Perkins sees something special brewing in San Antonio, a team on the rise with Wembanyama leading the charge.
Perkins isn't worried about the Spurs' lack of experience. “They’re going to have home court advantage all the way up to the conference finals,” he insisted.
His confidence mirrors the Spurs' current momentum. The energy in San Antonio is palpable, and belief in the team is growing stronger by the day.
"The San Antonio Spurs are going to win the NBA Championship."@KendrickPerkins doubles down on the Spurs knocking the Thunder out of the playoffs 😯 pic.twitter.com/g9bs08Wpqw
— First Take (@FirstTake) March 17, 2026
At the heart of this surge is Victor Wembanyama. Perkins praised his transformation into a dominant force, saying, “I love how he’s found that balance… being a big man first to a guy that could stretch the floor, being a star and a leader in his role.” Wembanyama's growth is evident every game.
But it’s not just a one-man show. Stephon Castle has emerged as a reliable playmaker, forming a dynamic duo with Wembanyama. Their chemistry is playoff-ready, according to Perkins, who highlighted their synergy on the court.
Veteran presence from players like Harrison Barnes and De’Aaron Fox adds a layer of experience and calm to the mix. The Spurs thrive on what Perkins calls “agenda-free basketball,” where anyone can step up at any moment.
As the race to the NBA Finals intensifies, the burning question is whether the Spurs can live up to Perkins' prediction and topple the Thunder when it counts the most. The stage is set, and all eyes are on San Antonio.