Shaquille O'Neal Praises Victor Wembanyama

Shaquille O'Neal praised Victor Wembanyama as the first perfect big man after his strong performance in the San Antonio Spurs' playoff series.

What happened?

The San Antonio Spurs closed out their first-round series against the Portland Trail Blazers with a 114-95 win, led by Victor Wembanyama's 17 points and 14 rebounds. Shaquille O'Neal made his opinion of Wembanyama clear during the postgame program on Tuesday night.

Why it matters for Shaquille O'Neal

O'Neal is widely considered one of the greatest big men to ever play the game, winning four championships with the Los Angeles Lakers and the Miami Heat. He said Wembanyama can shoot, play defense, and is a great team player.

What comes next?

The Spurs will move on to the next round of the playoffs, with Wembanyama's performance a key factor in their success. And Shaquille O'Neal will likely continue to watch Wembanyama's career with interest, given his high praise for the young player. But what makes Wembanyama so special is his ability to dominate the game on both ends of the court. So it's no surprise that O'Neal would call him the first perfect big man. The Spurs' win was a testament to their team's strength, with Wembanyama leading the way. O'Neal's statement was made on April 29, 2026, after the Spurs' 114-95 win over the Trail Blazers. He finished with 17 points on 5-of-7 shooting and 6-of-6 from the line, adding 14 rebounds and six blocks. The 22-year-old Wembanyama has been a key player for the Spurs all season, and his performance in the playoffs has been impressive. Shaquille O'Neal's praise for Wembanyama is a significant endorsement, given his own status as a basketball legend.