Charles Barkley Reveals Victor Wembanyama Problem for Spurs Ahead of NBA Finals vs. Knicks

Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs are set to face off against the New York Knicks in the 2026 NBA Finals, with Game 1 on the 4th of June. This is the Spurs' first finals appearance since winning the title in 2014, and it's also worth noting that Wembanyama could notch his first ring in his first playoff run in his career.

While Wemby has proven to be a dominant force in the postseason, dethroning the defending champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder, NBA legend Charles Barkley has some concerns regarding the towering Frenchman heading into the finals.

"When Wemby's tired, I'm like, 'Wemby's not tired, Wemby's pissed off,'" Barkley said on 'Mad Dog Sports Radio'. "For some reason, the Spurs don't get the ball to Wemby early in the game, and he gets frustrated.

"They only give him early when they get down in the series. ... I think sometimes them guys in San Antonio don't know when a baller is breaded. Wemby's going to do his thing. But all (Karl-Anthony Towns) gotta do is play well," he added.

What Barkley was implying was that if Wembanyama doesn't play aggressively, the Spurs tend to lose games. That's something Barkley believes San Antonio failed to realize. Because of the Spurs' situation, Barkley feels like the Knicks could win the finals in six games.

"I'm picking the Knicks in six," Barkley added. "I think they're playing the best basketball in the NBA. I truly believe it. I don't ever care who wins. But I'm saying, man, I think the Knicks are going to win this thing. I really do. I'm going to pick the Knicks in six."

According to betting odds, the Spurs are the favorites to win the 2026 NBA Finals. Oddsmakers are expecting a highly competitive series, predicting that it will go the full seven games with San Antonio coming out on top.

The reason many believe the Spurs could win it all is the experience they gained in the Western Conference Finals. San Antonio dethroned a daunting Oklahoma City Thunder team led by reigning two-time MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. And when you beat a team like that, it suggests you have what it takes to win the title.

Another factor is simply Wembanyama's presence. Looking at the matchup, he is arguably the best player on either team. He's the Defensive Player of the Year and finished third in MVP voting. Standing at 7-foot-4, Wemby could potentially overpower the Knicks' 7-foot star center, Karl-Anthony Towns.

Can Victor Wembanyama Stop the Knicks?

There's no hiding that Victor Wembanyama is the biggest threat on the hardwood, both literally and figuratively. Throughout Wembanyama's first playoff run, he's averaged 23.2 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 3.5 blocks, while shooting 51.0% from the field.

While his numbers in scoring and rebounding are expected of a star center, the most threatening stat to look out for is his blocking. Being the tallest player on the floor, Wemby can easily swat shots within his radius.

In Game 1 of the semifinals against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Wembanyama showcased that his height isn't just for show. He accumulated 12 blocked shots, setting a single-game playoff record for the most blocks in history.

This will be a huge problem for the New York Knicks' Jalen Brunson. Known for slashing the paint, Wembanyama could easily obliterate Brunson's shots. The Knicks will need to figure out how to keep the Spurs star away from their primary scorers.

But then again, New York might be prepared for whatever San Antonio has to offer. On Dec. 16, 2025, the Knicks beat the Spurs in the NBA Cup Finals. Overall, throughout the regular season, New York has a 2-1 record against San Antonio. Knowing that they beat the Spurs twice could be a source of confidence for the Knicks.

Wembanyama, however, looks like someone who's ready to become the best version of himself ahead of the Finals. After winning the WCF MVP trophy, he declared that he's now in a position to realize his childhood dream.

“Winning the Larry O’Brien, it’s a childhood dream,” Wembanyama said. “And having the tangible chance at winning it, realizing a dream you know, it’s a chance, it’s a lifetime chance.”

Neither team will have it easy. Wembanyama is looking to establish himself among the Spurs' legends at just 22 years old, while the Knicks are chasing their first championship in more than 50 years. It's a Finals matchup for the ages.