Victor Wembanyama’s NBA takeover has reached international audiences. So much so that the San Antonio Spurs superstar’s talent has drawn comparisons to one of the most dominant big men in the league’s history: Shaquille O’Neal.
In his age-22 season, Wembanyama has been the Spurs’ lead man. From missing the postseason the year before, to leading the historic franchise to the NBA Finals in 2026.
“Of course people are going to compare him to Shaq, but he’s actually Shaq 2.0,” a rival general manager told ESPN’s Brian Windhorst. “Because he takes care of his body and plays a modern game, shoots the 3 and can make free throws. Yeah, he’s our nightmare.”
It’s safe to say that the NBA has never seen anything like it. Standing at 7-foot-4, 235 pounds, Victor Wembanyama is just getting started. Other franchises are looking for answers on how to stop the Spurs’ big man, but who knows if it will happen.
“None of us know what the h– we’re going to do to stop him,” a veteran NBA head coach told ESPN.
Comparing Shaq’s Game to Victor Wembanyama’s
Entering the league in 1993, Shaquille O’Neal was an instant issue for the rest of the NBA. At his peak frame, the Hall of Fame center stood at 7-foot-1, over 300 pounds, and was as strong as anybody had ever seen.
In his rookie season, Shaq averaged 23.4 points, 13.9 rebounds, and 3.5 blocks per game. These statistics peaked in the 1999-2000 season, when he averaged 29.7 points, 13.6 rebounds, and 3.0 blocks per game.
However, there were flaws in O’Neal’s game: a non-existent three-point threat and struggles from the free-throw line. The center made just one three-pointer in his 19-year career and carried a 52.7 percent free-throw rate.
On the other side, Wembanyama is a threat in every aspect of basketball. He can shoot, hit free throws at a consistent rate, and dominate the paint on both offense and defense.
In his three-year career, Wembanyama carries a 48.4 field goal percentage, 34.2 three-point percentage, and 3.5 blocks per game. Opposing teams can feel his intimidation factor at all times that he’s on the court.
Victor Wembanyama is clearing the path to become this generation’s Shaquille O’Neal. He’s playing in the NBA Finals in his third NBA season, similar to O’Neal, who did it in 1995 before getting swept, four games to none, against a Hakeem Olajuwon-led Houston Rockets team.
Spurs’ NBA Finals Matchup vs. Knicks
San Antonio enters the NBA Finals against a red-hot New York Knicks team. Led by Eastern Conference Finals MVP Jalen Brunson, the Knicks have won 11 straight postseason games. The last loss New York suffered was on April 23.
The Finals’ center matchup will feature Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson, who will try to limit Victor Wembanyama as much as possible. It takes an entire lineup to stop the Spurs’ superstar, and Knicks head coach Mike Brown will try everything and anything to do so.
“You just hope a guy like that, you can find ways to make him work,” Brown told reporters ahead of Game 1. “You pray.”
“You just hope a guy like that, you can find ways to make him work. You pray. I had some buddies that are monks, I can’t go to them because he’s got that part of the religion all wrapped up” 😂
Mitchell Robinson Injury Update
New York could be short at center depth. Ahead of the series, center Mitchell Robinson suffered a fractured right pinky finger that required surgery.
Robinson is listed as questionable heading into Game 1. According to ESPN’s Sham Charania, the Knicks’ regular-season leader in blocks per game (1.2) is expected to be available after fully participating in practice on Tuesday.
Game 1 of the NBA Finals takes place on Wednesday night.
Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama Gets Telling Hall Of Fame Comparison Ahead of Finals