Victor Wembanyama is like the new toy that every kid on the block is talking about and wants for themselves. The 7ft 4inch Frenchman is the real unicorn in every sense and has gotten the NBA world buzzing. In the past months, multiple former and current players have expressed appreciation for the kid, with Shaquille O’Neal being the latest to share his views, on ‘The Rick Eisen Show‘.
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There have been some fascinating responses that we have gotten from the NBA superstars throughout the season. Starting with LeBron James referring to him as an alien to Giannis Antetokounmpo who thinks he is from the far future. Steph Curry also chimed him and said he got NBA 2K create-a-player vibes, while Kevin Durant just appreciated his game and can’t wait to see him in the league.
With the draft lottery concluding on Tuesday night, his inevitable debut on the NBA floor is closer than its ever been. The San Antonio Spurs have landed the right to select the Number one overall pick in the 2023 draft, and it’s almost a foregone conclusion that it will be Wembanyama. With no disrespect to the other players in the draft class, the Frenchman is just different.
Shaquille O’Neal shares his views on the Frenchman
While appearing as a guest on the radio show ‘The Rick Eisen Show‘, Shaq gave his thoughts on the latest prospect and his ability to perform in the league. With the co-host asking him about Victor’s ability to adapt to the professional league, here is what he had to say:
“I say really fast because guys are not playing down low any more, guys are not playing physical any more. They are switching one through five. He is a pick and pop guy, he can shoot pretty good and he is like a 7ft 4 Kevin Durant. So, I think he can acclimate very very quickly.”
The Lakers legend, a former Number one pick himself, went on to talk about the mentorship he would receive if he were to be drafted by the San Antonio Spurs.
“And he is with the master [Greg Popovich]. Having a kid like that go through the system? That’s what I call the Spurs – the system. I think the people better watch out.”
However, Shaq’s interview on Wemby came with a caveat in the form of playing in the 1990s. According to the big man, the young kid would not have been as effective against the competition owing to the physical nature of the game. In fact, Shaq shared an IG story of Victor getting posterized by an opponent in the French league, which validated his assessment.
“If this was our era, banging, he would be chicken noodle soup which I kind of like.”
Incoming pressure on Victor Wembanyama
Wembanyama, with all the hype and the riches, will face immense pressure entering the league. Touted as the greatest prospect in NBA history since LeBron James, he will be expected to perform from the get-go. This is the world of pro sports, and being talented is not enough.
The NBA fans and media can be brutal with their expectations. Ask James, who continues to face harsh criticism for every mistake. Victor shouldn’t expect anything less. People can call it unfair and ask for patience, but this is the cut-throat world of professional sports. There are no second chances. Don’t expect any sugar-coating from the fans and media alike.
