Speaking on opening night, NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal offered up some high praise towards Spurs rookie, Victor Wembanyama. Ahead of Wemby’s debut game against the Mavericks, Shaq crowned him as an honorary member of the ‘big man alliance,’ which is Shaq’s self-made list of the top centers in the game.
“I’m not gonna put a lot of pressure on him. He’s 19, a rookie. But from the highlights I’ve seen, he’s definitely in the ‘big man alliance’ already. And I never give it up that early,” said O’Neal.
As one of the greatest bigs in basketball history, Shaq knows more than a thing or two about what makes an NBA superstar. Shaq, a 15x All-Star, 2x scoring leader, 1x MVP, and 4x champion, is widely considered to be the epitome of dominance in the league and he has become the very face of big men and interior play. As an old-school veteran, Shaq doesn’t usually rush to gush about rising and unproven centers, but he has made an exception for Wembanyama, who got the “big man alliance” invitation without even playing a single NBA game.
Wembanyama Is On The Track To Greatness
Victor had a solid season for the Metropolitans 92, averaging 21.6 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 3 blocks per game on 47% shooting. There, he flashed his talent for all the world to see and it only confirmed his potential to become an NBA star. By the time Wembanyama made it to the Spurs this past summer, he was being touted as the greatest prospect since LeBron James himself and he’s embraced all the hype so far.
Coming into this season, nobody is quite sure what to expect from the French native. At 7’4″ and 209 pounds with a wingspan of over 8 feet, Wembanyama is an unprecedented natural wonder who should have no trouble shooting over his defenders. The key to success for Wemby, however, will be what he does on the inside. If he can make a name for himself as a solid post player and elite shot-blocker, it can take his game to new heights in the NBA.
The Spurs Are Building Something
The Spurs have been in NBA purgatory since their 2014 championship win over the Heat. With various stars having come in and out of the roster over the years, San Antonio has failed to find cohesion amid a highly competitive Western Conference. With Wembanyama, however, they have the first piece they need to start building towards the future.
After finishing dead last in the West last season, the Spurs are hoping that Wemby can lead them on a better path for this season. With help in the form of Jerenu Sochan and Devin Vassell, Victor will not be alone in the battle for the West but he may not come in and dominate right away. It could take time for things to gel in San Antonio, but the Spurs have more than enough time to wait given the potential for success with a healthy Victor Wembanyama at the helm.
It remains to be seen if Wembanyama can reach the heights that Shaq did during his career, but it’s a pretty good sign that he’s made a believer out of O’Neal so early on. The truth is, if Wemby is anything like advertised, he’ll have no trouble meeting expectations and he may even surprise some people by keeping the Spurs in playoff contention this season.
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