Brian Windhorst Praises Victor Wembanyama For Having Same Effect as Shaquille O’Neal: “Can’t Take Eyes Off Him”

Brian Windhorst compares Victor Wembanyama to Shaquille O'Neal and believes he could sweep all the awards.

Brian Windhorst Praises Victor Wembanyama For Having Same Effect as Shaquille O’Neal: “Can’t Take Eyes Off Him”

Brian Windhorst on Victor Wembanyama (Image credits - Firstsportz)

Victor Wembanyama seems to be getting better and better with every passing game at the moment. He has shown no signs of slowing down and is determined to end the regular season on a high note. He led the San Antonio Spurs to a convincing 127-113 victory over the Golden State Warriors at the Chase Center on Wednesday night.

American sportswriter for ESPN.com Brian Windhorst compared Wembanyama’s dominance to Shaquille O’Neal‘s.

You can make a case that Victor should win Defensive Player of the Year, MVP and Most Improved. When I was a kid, I would watch Shaquille O’Neal play. I would not take my eyes off of Shaq. I didn’t care where he went. I was just watching Shaq go up and down the court. This is what I do with him (Victor Wembanyama). I watch basketball all day long and I can’t take my eyes off him.

Brian Windhorst on ESPN Halftime Show

Since being drafted into the league by the Spurs as the number one pick in the 2023 NBA, Victor Wembanyama was destined for greatness. The Spurs knew they drafted an anomaly and a talent that has never been seen before in the NBA. While he did suffer a serious injury that could have derailed his career last season, he has bounced back strongly in his third season in the league.

His performances this year have been otherworldly, especially over the last few weeks. He is undoubtedly the best two-way player in the league today and is pretty much a lock for the Defensive Player of the Year award. Former NBA champion Isiah Thomas has gone as far as to call him a championship player despite not playing a single playoff game in his career.

The Frenchman even campaigned for himself to win the MVP award by giving three reasons as to why he deserves the award this season. He is currently averaging 24.7 points, 11.5 rebounds, three assists, and a league-high 3.1 blocks. At the moment, he leads the MVP Ladder after surpassing reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander last week.

Fans react to Brian Windhorst’s praises for Victor Wembanyama

Brian Windhorst knows what it takes to be great. He has followed and covered LeBron James‘ career since his high school playing days. He covered the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003, the same year James was drafted by the Cavs. Hence, Windhorst has seen greatness up close and personal.

Windhorst’s showers of praise for Wembanyama generated multiple reactions across social media.

While Wembanyama has the DPOY award on a lock and is a strong contender for the MVP, most fans did not agree that he deserves the Most Improved Player of the Year award.

Steve Kerr on Victor Wembanyama’s evolution this season

Victor Wembanyama was almost flawless against the Warriors on Wednesday night. After a 41-point performance against the Chicago Bulls on Monday, the Spurs center scored 41 points once again to go along with 18 rebounds and three blocks in just 29 minutes.

Spurs have to manage Victor Wembanyama's health
Victor Wembanyama (Image via NBA)

Following the loss, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr spoke about Wembanyama’s maturity this season.

I just think he’s got unbelievable confidence now, you know. It just looks like he knows exactly what to do at both ends all the time. Whereas in his first couple of years, he looked young at times. He doesn’t look young anymore. He looks like he knows exactly what he’s doing. Dominated the glass, I thought Draymond [Green] did a great job on him defensively, and there’s plays where you can’t really do anything about it.

Steve Kerr in his post-match press conference

With just six games to go in the regular season, the MVP race is hotter than ever. Wembanyama has been clear that he is going to go all out and desires to win all the individual accolades.

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