Kendrick Perkins bold claim where Victor Wembanyama’s will create ‘more impact’ than legendary big man Shaquille O’Neal

Perkins stated while O'Neal used his physicality, Wembanyama's diverse skills.

Kendrick Perkins bold claim where Victor Wembanyama’s will create ‘more impact’ than legendary big man Shaquille O’Neal

Victor Wembanyama

Ever since Victor Wembanyama joined the San Antonio Spurs in the 2023 draft, the NBA has been buzzing with Wembanyama fever. This excitement has continued to build as the season progressed. After some impressive performances, the seven-foot-three-inch center has proven he could be one of the league’s top players if not the best of his generation. Even Kendrick Perkins got caught up in the excitement, suggesting that Wembanyama could have a bigger impact than Shaquille O’Neal.

During a recent ‘NBA Today’ episode, Perkins compared Wembanyama’s offensive game to O’Neal’s. While O’Neal used his physicality, Wembanyama’s diverse skills, including jump shots and 3-pointers, set him up for dominance.

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Kendrick Perkins stated that:

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Not in the same fashion, but he will dominate. He’s gonna dominate more on the finesse side. He's going to have a bigger impact than Shaq defensively. Shaq was just like, ‘Imma go through your chest, Imma break your arms'. Victor is gonna give you, 'Imma dunk on you now and then from outside of the paint or off the pick and roll.

Kendrick Statement came after Victor surpassed Shaq by becoming the first player since Shaquille O’Neal in 1992 to post at least 85 points, 35 rebounds, and 10 blocks in his first five NBA games. Some might view Perkins’ prediction as a little unrealistic. Nonetheless, Wembanyama might have a chance to face O’Neal if he keeps up the path that many believe he will follow.

Shaq compared Victor Wembanyama and Bol Bol

Victor Wembanyama is not the first 7-foot player Shaquille O’Neal has seen with a dribble package to his game. In the past, the former NBA champion claimed that Bol Bol was able to dribble the ball and make 3-pointers. O’Neal intended for his remarks not to be interpreted as insulting. Rather, he was saying that Wembanyama’s skill set, despite being more advanced, is common to the league.

Big Shaq, Victor Wembanyama, and Bol Bol
Big Shaq, Victor Wembanyama, and Bol Bol. (Images via USA Today Sports)

Shaquille O’Neal recently shared his thoughts on Bol Bol in an Instagram Story. He emphasized that he didn’t claim Bol Bol is better than or equal to Wembanyama. He said that he simply compared their stats and playing styles.

During an NBA TNT broadcast, O’Neal initially made these comments about Bol Bol and Victor Wembanyama, stating that he’s seen players like Wembanyama before, like Bol Bol, and he stands by his statement.

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