Shaquille O’Neal Makes Bold Claim About Victor Wembanyama’s Rise Toward Best Big in the NBA

Shaquille O’Neal and Victor Wembanyama (Photo by Imagn Images)

Shaquille O’Neal Makes Bold Claim About Victor Wembanyama’s Rise Toward Best Big in the NBA

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports | By Kenny Nosay | Last updated Apr 29, 2026 2:05 AM ET

While many people point towards Nikola Jokic as the best big man in the NBA, it’s safe to say that Victor Wembanyama might have a case too.

The San Antonio Spurs big man won this year’s Defensive Player of the Year unanimously. He was super proud of his achievement, but we all knew he’d take home the hardware. But what about the league MVP? Well, he’s also one of the top three finalists for that. Wemby’s on his way to becoming one of the best, that’s for sure.

However, Shaquille O’Neal isn’t ready to bestow him as the best center in basketball just yet.

“In two years, he [Victor Wembanyama] will be right next to [Nikola] Jokic as the best big in the league. Right now, he’s number two but not far behind. He’s playing excellent basketball, and I’m happy for the young fella,” Shaq said.

Shaq on Wemby:

"In two years he will be right next to Jokic as the best big in the league. Right now he's number 2 but not far behind. He's playing excellent basketball and i'm happy for the young fella" pic.twitter.com/eHBeW2Q3pF
— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) April 28, 2026

O’Neal has a point, but we can argue that as soon as next season, Wemby can arguably become the best two-way player in basketball. And his edge on Jokic is on the defensive end. His offense isn’t too far behind either. People tend to fall in love with players who are insanely athletic and have the numbers to back it up.

Luckily for Wemby, he can score and defend at a high rate.

Victor Wembanyama Quietly Becoming Face of the League

When we talk about ultimate stars in the NBA, most people point to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic, and Anthony Edwards. Wembanyama is often overlooked, at least for now, due to his young age. But after a solid year for the San Antonio Spurs, there’s no denying that he has put his name in that conversation.

Victor Wembanyama (Image Credits: Imagn)

If you ask Rich Paul, he’s super confident that Victor Wembanyama will be the face of the NBA sooner rather than later. The Klutch Sports CEO reiterated that the Spurs’ big man is a behemoth on both sides of the court.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: