The NBA MVP race is heating up, and so are the debates surrounding it. Recently, seven-time NBA champion Robert Horry sparked a firestorm when he declared that San Antonio Spurs sensation Victor Wembanyama is not currently one of the top five players in the league. Horry didn’t back down from his stance, even when confronted by Kendrick Perkins on the “Road Trippin'” podcast, leading to a candid and revealing FaceTime conversation about criteria, consistency, and the definition of defense.
The “Not Top 5” Argument
Horry’s critique of Wembanyama centers on availability and consistency. Despite acknowledging Wemby’s “amazing” talent and potential to win every award in the future, Horry argues that the young star hasn’t yet earned his stripes for this season’s MVP conversation.
“He hasn’t played enough games for me… and he’s too inconsistent,” Horry told Perkins. He pointed to the stats of legends like Kobe Bryant, Shaq, and LeBron James during their MVP campaigns, suggesting that Wembanyama’s 24 points per game average pales in comparison to the dominance required for the award. “We trying to anoint him as the next great too fast,” Horry cautioned.
Defining Defense: Feet vs. Height
Perhaps the most controversial part of Horry’s take was his dismissal of Wembanyama’s shot-blocking prowess as the sole indicator of defensive greatness. Horry, a renowned defender in his own right, values lateral movement and perimeter defense over rim protection facilitated by sheer size.
“Blocking shots don’t mean crap to me,” Horry stated bluntly. “I want you to move your feet, get steals… if you can’t move your feet on the perimeter, I don’t count that.”
He went as far as to compare Wembanyama’s shot-blocking to Manute Bol, implying that being 7’5″ gives you a natural advantage that shouldn’t be confused with defensive skill. “He’s 7’6″, [his arms are] as low as a Tyrannosaurus Rex,” Horry joked, emphasizing that blocking shots should be expected for someone of that stature.
Skill vs. Love
The conversation highlighted a fundamental disconnect between how former players and fans view the game. Horry argued that fans look at basketball with “love,” getting swept up in the hype and highlights. In contrast, he looks at it with “skill,” analyzing the nuances of the game that don’t always show up on SportsCenter.
“It’s not me hating on him,” Horry clarified. “I look at basketball totally different from fans.”
The MVP Landscape
The video analysis notes that despite Horry’s exclusion, Wembanyama currently sits at number five on the official MVP ladder. The host suggests that while Horry’s points about consistency are valid, Wembanyama’s impact on both ends of the floor is undeniable. The discussion also touches on other MVP candidates, with Horry listing Cade Cunningham, Jaylen Brown, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luka Doncic, and Nikola Jokic as his personal top five.
Conclusion
Robert Horry’s comments serve as a reminder that in the NBA, respect is earned, not given. While Victor Wembanyama is undeniably the future of the league, “Big Shot Bob” is making sure the young star knows he still has work to do to conquer the present. Whether you agree with his “old school” criteria or not, Horry’s perspective adds a layer of scrutiny to the inevitable coronation of the “Alien.”
