Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal has enormous praise for Spurs center Victor Wembanyama.
From one big man to another, Shaq gave Wemby some major love on “Inside the NBA” while talking with his castmates Tuesday, April 28. O’Neal, known for his candid and often critical views of contemporary NBA players, described Wembanyama as a unique talent.
“I think Wemby is the first perfect big man that’s ever (been) created. Can shoot, free throws, play defense, play offense, he’s a great team player,” Shaq said. “I’m happy for the Spurs. Happy for Wemby. For me, he’s a joy to watch.” This kind of endorsement from Shaquille O’Neal, a four-time NBA champion and one of the greatest centers in basketball history, holds significant weight in the basketball community.
Shaquille O’Neal is not known for handing out compliments to current NBA big men lightly. He has often voiced his opinion that many players today are softer and too focused on shooting three-pointers rather than dominating inside the paint. However, it is clear that O’Neal sees something different in Wembanyama, who stands at an impressive 7 feet 2 inches tall and showcases a versatile skill set that combines size, agility, and shooting accuracy.
In addition to praise, Shaq also forecasted Wembanyama’s future within the league. “In two years, he will be right next to Jokic (Denver’s Nikola Jokic) as the best big in the league,” O’Neal stated. “Right now, he’s No. 2 but not far behind. He’s playing excellent basketball and I’m happy for the young fella.” This prediction places Wembanyama in elite company, as Jokic is the reigning NBA MVP and a two-time winner of the award.
Victor Wembanyama is currently in his third season with the San Antonio Spurs and has already made a significant impact. His performance in the 2025-26 NBA playoffs, where he helped the Spurs defeat the Portland Trail Blazers 4-1 in the first round, showcased his multifaceted abilities. During that series, Wembanyama averaged 21.0 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 4.0 blocks per game, solidifying his status as a rising star in the league.
As discussions about the league’s top players continue, Wembanyama’s name is frequently mentioned in the same breath as elite players like Nikola Jokic and Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, with many predicting he will be a contender for the NBA MVP award in the near future. Shaquille O’Neal’s endorsement not only highlights Wembanyama’s current success but also emphasizes the expectations placed on him by legends of the game.
