Victor Wembanyama has not only kicked off his NBA career as the top draft pick but has also quickly made a name for himself as a future star. He has already proven his exceptional talent by clinching the Rookie of the Year award in his debut season.
With his remarkable start, many believe that Wembanyama could soon become one of the leading faces in the league. However, former NBA star Shaquille O’Neal holds a different perspective. On the Pat McAfee Show, Shaq shared his reservations about Wembanyama’s style of play.
“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, but when you shoot jumpers, you’re always going to go up and down,” Shaq said.
The Spurs star averaged 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 3.6 blocks in his rookie season. Though Shaq was vocal against Wembanyama’s playing style, he later shared his wishes for the young star’s future.
“He’s a fine player; I wish him well,” he added.
Shaquille O’Neal Faces Backlash for Criticizing Victor Wembanyama’s Game
Wembanyama has quickly earned a reputation as a generational talent and future star. Many NBA veterans, including Patrick Beverley, have praised him highly, with Beverley even predicting that Wembanyama could be the best player in the league next season.
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Despite the widespread excitement surrounding Wembanyama, Shaq has voiced his reservations about the former’s game. His comments have sparked significant backlash from fans, many of whom see his criticism as unwarranted.
Some argue that Shaq’s skepticism stems from jealousy or insecurity. They claim that Wembanyama’s impressive athleticism and potential might overshadow Shaq’s own legacy.
One fan even dubbed Shaq a “generational hater,” accusing him of downplaying the talented newcomer’s achievements.
Wembanyama will kick off his second season against the Oklahoma City Thunder on October 8. It will be interesting to see if he can live up to the high expectations and continue to prove his critics wrong.
