At this point, fans and the media alike are curious about just how good Victor Wembanyama can be. In his season debut, he posted 40 points, 15 rebounds, and three blocks in a 33-point win over the Dallas Mavericks, pushing the San Antonio Spurs to 1-0.
Not only did he dominate, but he didn’t even break a sweat. The game looked easy to him despite matching up against Anthony Davis. If he’s doing all that against a DPOTY candidate, what will he do against average players?
Wembanyama’s stock is already skyrocketing, and fans expect this to be the year that he takes the leap. However, not everyone is convinced that he is on a GOAT trajectory. Some people think he wouldn’t even be a starter if not for the softer modern era.
GettyDALLAS, TEXAS – OCTOBER 22: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs reacts to a score during the first half against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on October 22, 2025 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Shaq Doubles Down on Victor Wembanyama Criticism
After Wembanyama’s season debut, fans were left in a state of shock.
However, not everyone was amazed. Shaquille O’Neal has long been a member of “the old guard,” insisting that his era was the toughest and that he is one of the best centers of all time.
Of course, he’s right about that second point. O’Neal was utterly dominant, although he didn’t have the speed or nimbleness to make his physicality a factor in a hypothetical matchup against Wemby.
Still, he claims that it wouldn’t even be close.
“He would have been on the bench,” declared O’Neal after the season opener. “I’m not known for defense, but you know what I’m known for eating? French fries and French toast.”
Not only does Wembanyama have about five inches on O’Neal, but he can score from further, put the ball on the floor, and dominate on defense in ways Shaq can only imagine.
Comparing eras is a fruitless exercise, and it seems that O’Neal will never give Wembanyama his flowers.
O’Neal Has Long Criticized Victor Wembanyama
O’Neal, Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, Hakeem Olajuwon, David Robinson, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar make up Shaq’s “brotherhood” of all-time great centers.
Recently, O’Neal has warmed his tone on Nikola Jokic, although it took three MVPs (two more than O’Neal ever won) for the Big Diesel to soften up.
He remains critical of mobile centers, especially Wembanyama.
“I would back his (bleep) and elbow right into his mother(bleep) mouth,” O’Neal said last April. “You know what they will do all night? Shoot the mother(bleep) 3, and if you miss, I would run right by you and (bleep) post, and you’re going to be screaming ‘three seconds!’”
Of course, the old “I would foul him” argument isn’t the most sound one. Then again, fans don’t tune into Inside the NBA for their thoughtful insight into the game. It’s all an entertainment product poorly masked as analysis.
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