One really big man talking about another, and how the latest “big” will show up in the coming NBA season. On a new podcast, our man Shaq talked about prospects for former Number One draft pick Victor Wembanyama, and if he’ll really be the dominant player some people believe he’ll develop into.
After years of frankly mediocre seasons, the San Antonio Spurs got what some might consider the opportunity of a lifetime last year when they used the overall first pick in the NBA draft to select international superstar Victor Wembanyama. Even then there was talk that “Wemby” could turn out to be one of the all-around best NBA players for the foreseeable future.
Face it, the Spurs struggles – and have been struggling – ever since the departure of superstars like Tim Duncan. They were looking for a new superstar to build around, and Wembanyama certainly looked like that guy. He did indeed have a strong rookie season. Now the question is, will he continue to grow his game, and bring the Spurs back to prominence?
The BIG Podcast with SHAQ
Now don’t get us wrong. Yes, Wemby had a good first season, but the Spurs were still (honestly) awful last season, finishing with one of the worst records in the Association at 22-60. That was probably to be expected. One player, no matter how great the individual talent, doesn’t have a huge impact, especially in his first season. Set the WayBack Machine for memories of a guy named LeBron James, who joined the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003.
Still, Wembanyama has an impressive skill set. He’s got impressive skills at both ends of the floor. What does O’Neal think about the prospects for Wemby and the Spurs? On the latest edition of The Pat McAfee Show, Shaq had some questions. He says the new San Antonio big man won’t be dominant offensively because of his shot selection, which is primarily jumpers.
On the show, Shaq was asked about the possibility of Wembanyama becoming as dominant as he was. His response: “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-foot-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. I wish him well. I’m just glad after not being in the league so long to still have my name in that category.”
It’s going to be interesting to see how Wembanyama grows into his game in the next couple of seasons. Back in the day, Shaq’s dominance in the paint was legendary, but the game is more shooter-focused now, and not so much on the down-and-deep action.
And when it came to OG shooting skills, Wemby was good, not great. In 71 games, Wembanyama averaged 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game, shooting 46.5% from the floor and 32.5% from three-point territory. Good, like we said… not great.
Still, Wembanyama has time. This will only be his second season in the NBA, and there’s time to improve his skills in all areas of the game. Of course a man that size is going to have impressive defense. He was a finalist for the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award, but the award eventually went to Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert.
The new NBA season tips off in less than six weeks. No doubt “Wemby” will be one of the big names to watch this season.