Victor Wembanyama has proven himself to be a generational talent. The French superstar performed admirably in his rookie season with the San Antonio Spurs. Everyone has showered him with praise, and many predicted GOAT potential. However, he hasn’t been able to impress the legendary four-time NBA champion Shaquille O’Neal.
Shaquille O’Neal has been known to be very vocal in his role as a TV analyst. Moreover, he has the pedigree and authority on certain issues in the league. In the past, Shaq has remained unimpressed by the new generation of talents. When he appeared on Pat McAfee‘s show, he questioned the 2024 NBA ROTY’s ability to dominate inside the paint.
Wemby is a great player. But I don’t really think you can be dominant when you shoot jumpers a lot. I think if he was an inside player at 7’5″, the answer would be yes, but when you shoot jumpers you’re always going to go up and down. But he’s a fine player, and I wish him well.
Shaquille O’Neal via The Pat McAfee Show
In his rookie season, Wemby was a phenomenon. He came second in the Defensive Player of the Year voting. He led the San Antonio Spurs team, who, by the way, were utterly abysmal for stretches last season. Wemby may not have used his size advantage to excel in the NBA.
He attempted 324 three-pointers in his first season. However, he shot poorly from the three-point line. As a center, one has to dominate the point. With his size, he definitely has the physical advantage. It has not been lethal so far. Nevertheless, the second year might show some improvements.
There’s no doubt the Rookie of the Year is a great learner, and he would take the advice needed to improve his game. The French star teaming up with veteran Chris Paul might be the spark. His rookie season saw him average 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 3.6 blocks. ‘Point God’ might just impact Wemby to further his game.
Patrick Beverley believes Victor Wembanyama can be the league’s best player next season
While Shaq insists that San Antonio Spurs’ star Victor Wembanyama isn’t the perfect product just yet, one man has total belief in his abilities. Former NBA player Patrick Beverley praised the Frenchman and went as far as making a bold prediction.
The majority of analysts believe that Wemby has the potential to be the next best thing in the NBA. Not Pat Bev, who boldly claimed it would take the young star’s next season to make his case in the league. This totally contradicts what others have said in the past, as they don’t believe his rise would take such an instant effect.
He’s everything. Like you can’t even put him in comparison with other people, he’s the best player in the NBA next year. He’s a center who shoots threes and dribbles the ball.
Patrick Beverley via his official podcast
Patrick Beverly says Victor Wembanyama will be the NBA’s best player next season. “He’s everything. You can’t even put him in comparison with other people. He’s the best player in the NBA next year.” #PorVida #Spurs
pic.twitter.com/jpXLpc6alQ— SpursRΞPORT (@SpursReporter) September 5, 2024
During his rookie season, Wemby took the league by storm, breaking records along the way, and he won the ROTY award by unanimous decision. His dominance didn’t end at the NBA, as it translated into his Olympic form. He nearly led host nation France to gold, only to be thwarted by a Stephen Curry shooting masterclass.
