Victor Wembanyama Gets Amazing Praise From Shaquille O’Neal: “Perfect Big Man That’s Ever Created”

Shaquille O'Neal had high praise for Victor Wembanyama after the Spurs closed out their series against the Trail Blazers.

Victor Wembanyama Gets Amazing Praise From Shaquille O’Neal: “Perfect Big Man That’s Ever Created”

Shaquille O'Neal on Victor Wembanyama (Image credits - Firstsportz)

In Short
  • Victor Wembanyama led the San Antonio Spurs to a 4-1 playoff series victory over the Portland Trail Blazers.
  • Shaquille O'Neal praised Wembanyama as the "first perfect big man" in NBA history.
  • Wembanyama became the youngest Defensive Player of the Year and recorded historic defensive stats in the playoffs.

Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs have gotten their postseason underway in fine form. There was a lot of spotlight on Wembanyama as he took to the court for his first-ever playoff appearance this year. The Spurs center has not batted an eye in the first round against the Portland Trail Blazers.

It was the Spurs’ first playoff appearance since 2019. On Monday night, they became the second team after the Oklahoma City Thunder to seal their place in the second round. It was a convincing performance from start to finish as they registered a 114-95 victory over the Trail Blazers in Game 5 at the Frost Bank Center. The Spurs won the series 4-1.

After the game, former NBA champion and big man Shaquille O’Neal heaped praise on Wembanyama.

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. I’m happy for the Spurs. I’m happy for Wemby. And for me, in a long time, he’s a joy to watch.

Shaquille O’Neal on Inside The NBA

When the Spurs drafted Victor Wembanyama as the number one pick in 2023, they acquired not just a generational talent. They found themselves a player who could possibly cement himself into the history books of the NBA, barring any injuries that could derail his career.

He is currently in his third season in the NBA and has already established himself as the best two-way player in the league by a distance. Last week, he was named the first-ever unanimous Defensive Player of the Year. He is also a strong candidate to win the MVP award after making it to the top-three list.

Shaquille O’Neal knows a thing or two about dominating his opponents as a big man. However, he rarely compliments the big men of today’s generation. Hence, receiving praise from someone like O’Neal is a huge sign of approval for the Frenchman.

Fans react to Shaquille O’Neal praising Victor Wembanyama

Victor Wembanyama has already taken the league by storm. At 22, the center is just getting started. It is just a matter of time before he taps into his full potential and dominates the league for years to come.

Following Shaquille O’Neal’s high praise for Wembanyama, fans reacted to his statements on social media.

Fans were amazed to see O’Neal heap praise on another center. But it also goes on to show that Wembanyama is a special talent and is just getting started.

Victor Wembanyama continues to make history

The 22-year-old became the youngest Defensive Player of the Year winner ever and has a chance to do the same if he wins the MVP award. It has been a historic regular season for Wembanyama, especially on the defensive end and things have been no different in the postseason.

Victor Wembanyama and his Spurs teammates walking off
Victor Wembanyama (Image via Spurs/X)

In the first round against the Trail Blazers, Wemby delivered a historic defensive run. He became the first player since Hakeem Olajuwon in 1997 to record back-to-back games with 10+ rebounds and 6+ blocks.

After recording 12 rebounds and 7 blocks in Game 4, Wemby dominated once again with 14 rebounds and 6 blocks in Game 5. With their spot in the Western Conference Semifinals sealed, the Spurs will take on the winner of the Denver Nuggets-Minnesota Timberwolves series. The Wolves currently lead 3-2 in the series.

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