Shaq had the highest praise possible for Victor Wembanyama

Nov 22, 2017; Paradise Island, BAHAMAS; NBA former player Shaquille O'Neal during the first half of the game between the North Carolina State Wolfpack and Arizona Wildcats in the 2017 Battle 4 Atlantis in Imperial Arena at the Atlantis Resort. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Shaquille O’Neal is notoriously tough on NBA big men, but he had the highest possible praise for Victor Wembanyama on Tuesday.

O’Neal said on “Inside the NBA” Tuesday that Wembanyama is “the first perfect big man,” citing his ability to do virtually anything on the court.

“I think Wemby is the first perfect big man that’s ever created,” O’Neal said. “He can shoot, free throws, play defense, play offense, he’s a great team player. … He is a joy to watch.”

"Wemby is the first perfect big man that's ever created."

—@Shaq with amazing praise for Victor Wembanyama 😳 pic.twitter.com/fN96RbmlPP
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) April 29, 2026

Shaq is one of the most legendary big men of all time, but has often derided the league’s current class of centers. He has also bemoaned what he sees as softness in the modern game. For him to have such high praise of Wembanyama is notable in light of that.

At this point, though, it would be tough to deny Wembanyama’s excellence. He just became the first unanimous Defensive Player of the Year winner and delivered 17 points, 14 rebounds, and six blocks in the San Antonio Spurs’ series-clinching win over the Portland Trail Blazers.