NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal recently commented on San Antonio Spurs’ young star Victor Wembanyama, ranking him as the 31st best player in the league. O’Neal’s assessment came amid discussions surrounding various media outlets’ Top 50 and Top 100 NBA player lists.
While Wembanyama, a promising sophomore, has captured the attention of many for his incredible skillset and physical attributes, Shaq isn’t convinced he’s reached the upper echelon of NBA talent just yet.
The four-time NBA champion addressed Wembanyama directly, stating, via Shane Garry Acedera of Basketball Network “You’re good, but you’re not good enough.” O’Neal explained that his ranking of Wembanyama outside the top 20 was not just based on individual talent but also team performance. “When your team doesn’t make the playoffs… when you’re that guy and all the pressure is on you, it doesn’t matter who you got on with you, you have to win,” Shaq elaborated.
O’Neal’s critique is rooted in his own experience as a dominant force in the NBA. As a four-time champion, he emphasized the need for success at the highest level to solidify one’s standing as an elite player. Shaq also noted that his comments were meant to fuel Wembanyama’s drive, hoping the criticism would motivate the young center. “I hope this upsets him,” he said, urging Wembanyama to rise to the challenge.
Wembanyama entered the NBA with high expectations after being selected first overall by the Spurs in the 2023 NBA Draft. He made history as the first French player to be drafted with the top pick, following in the footsteps of San Antonio legends David Robinson and Tim Duncan. Wembanyama’s debut season featured standout performances, including a career-high 38 points in a win over the Phoenix Suns, making him one of the most talked-about rookies in recent history.
Despite his individual brilliance, Wembanyama’s first season did not result in team success. The Spurs struggled to gain traction, finishing with one of the worst records in the league. As Shaq pointed out, individual stats must translate into wins and playoff contention to truly elevate a player’s status.
Nevertheless, Wembanyama has demonstrated potential for greatness. In his debut season, he averaged 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 3.6 block per game, showcasing his ability to impact both ends of the floor. His defensive prowess was particularly notable, as he led the league in blocks, becoming the youngest player in NBA history to do so.
Shaq’s comments, while critical, reflect the high standards held for players of Wembanyama’s caliber. The expectations for top draft picks, especially those on a rebuilding team like the Spurs, are immense. O’Neal’s remarks serve as a reminder that potential alone isn’t enough — consistent performance and winning are the true measures of greatness.
As Wembanyama enters his second season, the challenge now is to lead his team to success while continuing to develop his game. With a unique combination of size, skill, and versatility, Wembanyama has the tools to become one of the league’s best. But, as Shaq noted, the road to being considered “good enough” is paved with wins, playoff appearances, and ultimately, championships.
Whether or not Wembanyama uses Shaq’s critique as motivation remains to be seen. However, the young star’s journey is just beginning, and the basketball world will be watching closely to see if he can rise to the occasion and prove himself worthy of a higher ranking in the future.
