Shaquille O'Neal can sometimes be harsh when assessing the current generation of players. However, Shaq is not the type to mince words, especially after the battles he went through when the big man was still actively playing.
Being a center, "The Diesel" was asked for his take on whether Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs has what it takes to be a dominant player. Shaq gave it straight and said he doubted it. Better yet, O'Neal explained why Wemby will never be a dominant player.
"Wemby is a great player. But I don't really think you can be dominant when you shoot jumpers a lot. I think he was an inside player at 7-foot-5, the answer would be yes. But when you shoot jumpers, you're always going to go up and down," the 2000 NBA Finals MVP said on "The Pat McAfee Show."
Rule changes won't help
O'Neal played at a time when physicality was at an all-time high. Shaquille could take the hacking and the pounding, but even those tactics could not stop the 7-foot-1 behemoth.
As most know, the league has altered the rules to make the game faster. To survive in today's basketball, players need to be able to shoot from outside or keep in step with the team when they go on the break.
This explains the kind of play that Wembanyama has been showing with the Spurs . However, O'Neal appeared to understand that his height advantage would be wasted. At 7-foot-5, it would be tough to stop someone like Wemby, especially if he posts down low.
Wemby needs an inside game
At only 20 years old, Victor can still mold himself into a dominant player by adding an inside game and hitting it from as far as the three-point line is an asset. However, taking high-percentage shots would be better if opposing players were likely to struggle to defend him.
In his rookie season, Wembanyama shot 46.5% from the field, attempting 1,186 shots and converting just 551 of them. That was a mix of jump shots and attempts near the basket. Given his size, Victor can do better.
Even if he fails to convert down low, the probability of Vic getting fouled is high. Seeing that the French phenom has shown a good touch from the free throw line (79.6%), there is no question that the top pick of the 2023 Draft can score more if he plays closer to the basket.
Who can help Wemby evolve?
There is no question that there are a lot of NBA greats out there who can help in the evolution of Wemby. Although he has already worked out with Jamal Crawford, it may be best for the Spurs behemoth to seek the advice of natural and tested veteran centers, according to Kevin Garnett.
"I'll find Timmy, I'll find Dream… He has to tap in with some knowledge. He needs to get a sensei," KG suggested when he spoke on "Ticket & The Truth."
Learning about ball handling is essential, but if Wembanyama one day realizes the things he can do inside because of his height, Tim Duncan and Hakeem Olajuwon are the top names he should reach out to.
The good thing about Wembanyama is that he is still young. Victor still has time to hone his craft and become dominant in the lane. In a way, he is technically working backward. Skills such as ball-handing are things that big men work on after establishing themselves inside.
If Wemby can integrate all of those into his game, he will undoubtedly put all questions about being dominant to rest soon.
Related: “I never give it up that early” - Shaquille O’Neal welcomes Victor Wembanyama to the “big man alliance”
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