Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs fell short in their quest to win an NBA championship. The New York Knicks executed better during the series’ most important moments, and now a tough offseason of reflection begins for the Frenchman.
NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal revealed what he believes should be one of Wembanyama’s main offseason priorities.
Why Shaquille O’Neal Believes Victor Wembanyama Needs to Get Stronger
O’Neal believes Wembanyama has to get in the weight room this summer as he prepares for next season.
O’Neal said, “I say this with respect about Wemby; as good as he is, he’s going to need to get stronger. Because when you become a dominant big man, people are going to force… He definitely needs to get in that weight room and get stronger.”
Shaq: “I say this with respect about Wemby: As good as he is, he’s going to need to get stronger. Because when you become a dominant big man, people are going to force. I don’t know what he’s going to do this summer, but he definitely needs to get in that weight room and get… pic.twitter.com/MR2RYPQhag
— Oh No He Didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) June 14, 2026
O’Neal referenced the Knicks’ physicality and how big men Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson were able to limit Wembanyama’s effectiveness at times.
Wembanyama’s frame will likely be a topic of discussion throughout his career, as critics believe he may not withstand years of punishment.
Wembanyama has already added some muscle to his thin frame, as he’s currently listed at 235 pounds after entering the NBA at just over 200. O’Neal is likely encouraging him to add another 15 pounds of muscle in order to meet the physical demands of playing at the highest level.
The current style of play around the NBA is another variable to consider. The current pace-and-space style throughout the league means Wembanyama isn’t forced to defend opposing big men for 30 paint possessions every game.
Three-time MVP Nikola Jokić stands out as an effective post player in today’s NBA, but things are different from when big men had to guard O’Neal in the post every season, or multi-time All-Stars DeMarcus Cousins and Marc Gasol during the 2010s.
A possible reference point for Wembanyama is two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. Antetokounmpo was listed at under 200 pounds when the Milwaukee Bucks drafted him in 2013.
However, he added muscle mass over the years and has become arguably the most physically dominant player in the league over the last eight seasons.
Antetokounmpo is impossible to stop when he gets the ball moving toward the basket because of his combination of strength and length. O’Neal probably envisions Wembanyama becoming a dominant post player like Antetokounmpo with his already superior perimeter skills.
At 22, Wembanyama is still several seasons away from entering his physical prime, which is a terrifying thought for the rest of the NBA, especially if he can add more strength and use it effectively.
Look the Knicks are 2026 NBA Champions but the Spurs were not favored to win by the odds makers and I know the Spurs showed they are the Champions simply by defeating the Thunder.. now that being said Wemby is a Center not a point guard he should be defending the basket not bringing the ball upcourt and I say this the Knicks are good and the Spurs showed them they can take them.. I feel the Spurs gave the championship to the Knicks .. I’m just saying!!