Shaquille O’Neal gave his thoughts on Victor Wembanyama’s situation.

Jun 5, 2022; San Francisco, California, USA; NBA analyst and former player Shaquille O’Neal speaks before the game between the Golden State Warriors and the Boston Celtics during game two of the 2022 NBA Finals at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images / Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

Victor Wembanyama is in his second NBA season with the San Antonio Spurs.

Last weekend, the 21-year-old played in his first career NBA All-Star Game.

He is averaging 24.3 points, 11.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.1 steals and 3.8 blocks per contest while shooting 47.6% from the field and 35.2% from the three-point range in 46 games.

Feb 16, 2025; San Francisco, CA, USA; Chuck’s Global Stars forward Victor Wembanyama (1) of the San Antonio Spurs reacts in the game against Kenny’s Young Stars during the 2025 NBA All Star Game at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images / Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

Before the Spurs played the Phoenix Suns in Austin, Texas, they revealed that Wembanymaa will likely miss the remainder of the season.

Many around the NBA world shared their thoughts on the heartbreaking news, and one person who spoke about Wembanyama was Basketball Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal.

The Spurs beat the Suns by a score of 120-109.

They are the 12th seed in the Western Conference with a 24-29 record in 53 games.

In the ever-evolving world of basketball, the emergence of new talent is always a topic of great interest and excitement.

Recently, the basketball community has been abuzz with the news surrounding Victor Wembanyama, a young French phenom who has been making waves in the basketball world.

His unique skill set, towering height, and impressive performances have drawn comparisons to some of the greatest players in the game’s history.

Among those paying close attention to Wembanyama’s rise is NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal, who has offered his thoughts on the young star’s potential impact on the league.

O’Neal, a four-time NBA champion and 15-time All-Star, has always been vocal about his opinions on the game of basketball. His insights are particularly valuable given his extensive experience and success at the highest level.

When asked about Wembanyama, O’Neal didn’t hold back, expressing both admiration and caution regarding the young player’s future in the NBA.

One of the first things O’Neal noted about Wembanyama is his extraordinary height and wingspan. Standing at 7 feet 4 inches tall with an arm span that reaches nearly 8 feet, Wembanyama possesses a physical advantage that is rare in the world of professional basketball.

O’Neal, who himself stands at 7 feet 1 inch, understands the benefits that come with such height. “Height is a huge advantage in this game,” O’Neal remarked.

“It allows you to see over defenders, reach shots that others can’t, and protect the rim on the defensive end. Wembanyama has that in spades.”

However, O’Neal was quick to point out that height alone is not enough to guarantee success in the NBA. “You need more than just height,” he explained.

“You need skill, basketball IQ, and the ability to perform under pressure. Wembanyama has shown flashes of all these qualities, but he’s still very young and has a lot to learn.”

Wembanyama’s game is often compared to that of a young Kevin Durant, another player who entered the league with immense potential and went on to become one of the best in the world.

Like Durant, Wembanyama has a combination of size, skill, and shooting ability that makes him a matchup nightmare for defenders.

O’Neal sees these similarities but also believes that Wembanyama has the potential to carve out his own unique niche in the league.

“He reminds me a bit of Kevin Durant, but he’s got his own style,” O’Neal said. “He’s got a different way of playing, and that’s what makes him special.”

One of the most intriguing aspects of Wembanyama’s game is his versatility. At 7 feet 4 inches, he has the size to play in the post, but he also has the skills to shoot from the perimeter and handle the ball.

This combination of skills makes him a difficult player to defend. O’Neal, who was known for his dominant post play during his career, appreciates the versatility that Wembanyama brings to the table.

“Versatility is key in today’s NBA,” O’Neal noted. “You can’t just be one-dimensional. Wembanyama has the potential to be a complete player, and that’s exciting to see.”

Despite his praise, O’Neal also offered a word of caution for Wembanyama and his supporters. The transition from playing in Europe to the NBA is a significant one, and not all players make a seamless adjustment.

The pace of the game is faster, the competition is fiercer, and the physical demands are greater. O’Neal knows this firsthand, having faced his own challenges when he entered the league as a young player.

“The NBA is a different beast,” he warned. “It’s not just about talent; it’s about adapting to a new style of play, a new level of competition, and a new set of challenges. Wembanyama is going to have to work hard to make the transition.”

O’Neal also emphasized the importance of mental toughness in the NBA. The league is filled with ups and downs, and players must be able to handle the pressure that comes with being in the spotlight.

Wembanyama has already faced his share of scrutiny, with some questioning whether he can translate his European success to the NBA. O’Neal believes that mental toughness will be crucial for Wembanyama’s success.

“You have to have a thick skin in this league,” he advised. “There will be times when things don’t go your way, and you have to be able to bounce back. Wembanyama is going to need that mental toughness to succeed.”

In addition to his physical and mental attributes, O’Neal highlighted the importance of surrounding oneself with the right people. The NBA is a business as much as it is a sport, and having a strong support system can make all the difference.

Wembanyama will need guidance from coaches, teammates, and mentors as he navigates his NBA career. O’Neal stressed the value of having a good team around him.

“You can’t do it alone,” he said. “You need people who believe in you, who can help you grow as a player and as a person. Wembanyama is lucky to have a lot of people who care about him and want to see him succeed.”

As Wembanyama continues to develop his game and prepare for the next step in his career, O’Neal offered some final words of advice. He encouraged the young player to stay true to himself and not get caught up in the hype. “Be yourself,” O’Neal advised.

“Don’t try to be someone you’re not. Play your game, work hard, and let your talent speak for itself. The NBA is a place where you can be whoever you want to be, as long as you’re willing to put in the work.”

The basketball world will be watching closely as Wembanyama makes his transition to the NBA. His unique combination of size, skill, and versatility has the potential to make him a standout player in the league.

However, as O’Neal pointed out, success in the NBA is about more than just talent. It’s about hard work, mental toughness, and the ability to adapt to a new level of competition.

Wembanyama’s journey to the NBA is still in its early stages, but the excitement surrounding his potential is palpable. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how he will fare in the league.

O’Neal’s insights provide a valuable perspective on what Wembanyama can expect as he embarks on this new chapter in his career.

Whether he becomes a star or faces challenges along the way, one thing is certain: Victor Wembanyama has the potential to make a significant impact on the game of basketball.

As the NBA continues to evolve, the addition of a player like Wembanyama could bring a fresh dynamic to the league. His unique skill set and size offer a glimpse into the future of basketball, where versatility and adaptability are key.

O’Neal’s advice serves as a reminder that while talent is important, it is the combination of hard work, mental toughness, and the right support system that ultimately leads to success in the NBA.

In conclusion, the anticipation surrounding Victor Wembanyama’s entry into the NBA is well-founded.

His potential to make a significant impact on the league is evident, but his journey will be one of growth, adaptation, and hard work. Shaquille O’Neal’s insights provide a valuable perspective on what Wembanyama can expect as he navigates the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

As fans and analysts continue to follow his progress, one thing is clear: the basketball world is eagerly awaiting the next chapter in Victor Wembanyama’s remarkable story.