Shaquille O’Neal and Victor Wembanyama (Images Credit: Getty Images)
Victor Wembanyama has not only kicked off his NBA career as the top draft pick but has also quickly made a name for himself as a future star. He has already proven his exceptional talent by clinching the Rookie of the Year award in his debut season.
With his remarkable start, many believe that Wembanyama could soon become one of the leading faces in the league. However, former NBA star Shaquille O’Neal holds a different perspective. On the Pat McAfee Show, Shaq shared his reservations about Wembanyama’s style of play.
“Wemby is a great player, but I don’t really think you can be dominant when you shoot jumpers a lot. I think if he was an inside player at 7’5, but when you shoot jumpers, you’re always going to go up and down,” Shaq said.
The Spurs star averaged 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 3.6 blocks in his rookie season. Though Shaq was vocal against Wembanyama’s playing style, he later shared his wishes for the young star’s future.
“He’s a fine player; I wish him well,” he added.
Shaquille O’Neal Faces Backlash for Criticizing Victor Wembanyama’s Game
Wembanyama has quickly earned a reputation as a generational talent and future star. Many NBA veterans, including Patrick Beverley, have praised him highly, with Beverley even predicting that Wembanyama could be the best player in the league next season.
Despite the widespread excitement surrounding Wembanyama, Shaq has voiced his reservations about the former’s game. His comments have sparked significant backlash from fans, many of whom see his criticism as unwarranted.
Some argue that Shaq’s skepticism stems from jealousy or insecurity. They claim that Wembanyama’s impressive athleticism and potential might overshadow Shaq’s own legacy.
One fan even dubbed Shaq a “generational hater,” accusing him of downplaying the talented newcomer’s achievements.
Wembanyama will kick off his second season against the Oklahoma City Thunder on October 8. It will be interesting to see if he can live up to the high expectations and continue to prove his critics wrong.
Latest Photo Of Jason Kelce’s Shocking Body Transformation Confirms He Won’t Be Coming Out Of Retirement Anytime Soon
Jason Kelce (Photo by Isaiah Vazquez/Getty Images)
Philadelphia Eagles legend Jason Kelce all but confirmed that he’ll never come out of retirement after revealing a remarkable offseason body transformation.
Though he was still at the top of his game last year, Jason Kelce decided to hang up the cleats on his illustrious career that will lead to a spot in the Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility.
Because Kelce was playing at a high level in his age-36 season, many fans can’t help but wonder if he’d come out of retirement and return to the Eagles — especially if they’re in Super Bowl contention.
But during an interview with the Associated Press, Jason Kelce made it clear that a comeback is not happening. Kelce cited that the Eagles won’t be calling him back after his drastic offseason weight loss:
“They’re not going to call me to come back and play center at 260 pounds, and I’m moving on to the next thing and I’m excited to watch Cam (Jurgens). I really think Cam is going to be tremendous this year. He’s going to really show people how great of a player he is.
He was good for us last year at right guard and he’s going to flourish at center. And for me personally, my days of playing are just done and I do not foresee any scenario taking place other than maybe medicine inventing a way to get rid of arthritis that I would ever entertain coming back at all anymore.”
