The 2024-25 NBA season is on the horizon, bringing exciting narratives, particularly the rise of San Antonio Spurs sensation, Victor Wembanyama.
Wembanyama had a stellar rookie year, finishing second in the Defensive Player of the Year voting. He made the All-Defensive First Team, bagged the Rookie of the Year award, and also topped the NBA in blocks.
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On the offensive end, he’s a player who can do it all—whether it’s driving to the basket, shooting mid-range, or nailing threes.
However, some experts, including NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal, suggest that he should focus more on playing inside. During a recent appearance on the Pat McAfee show, Shaq minced no words about Wemby’s playing style.
“Wemby is a great player, but shooting jumpers a lot keeps your dominance in question. At 7-foot-5, playing closer to the basket would elevate his game,” O’Neal stated.
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Shaq’s observations come amid a significant shift in the NBA landscape, moving away from traditional big men to versatile players like Wembanyama. Standing tall at 7-foot-4, he is anything but a conventional center. His unique blend of size and skill makes him a formidable opponent on the court.
At just 20 years old, Wembanyama is already a recognized future superstar. During his rookie season, he shot an impressive 46.5% from the field with 551 successful shots from a total of 1,186 attempts, showcasing a mix of jump shots and close-range efforts.
He averaged 16.7 shots and 5.5 three-pointers per game, hitting 32.5% from downtown. There’s plenty of room for improvement, and while Shaq’s advice comes from experience, Wemby’s versatility means he doesn’t have to box himself into a paint-centric style.
In the end, whether he reduces his jump shot attempts or maintains his current rhythm, he possesses the skill set to thrive.
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