Victor Wembanyama is on a historic pace with his remarkable shot-blocking ability while standing at seven feet and four inches.
Despite his record-breaking performances as one of the best young stars in the NBA, a former champion provided a critical stance on why he doesn’t view the star center in that light.
Former Player Gives Critique of Victor Wembanyama
143 games and three seasons into his NBA career, Wembanyama has already reached the milestone of 500 blocks. Wembanyama is the second-youngest player in NBA history to record 500 blocks (behind only Josh Smith). His 101 games in a row with a block was the third-longest such streak in NBA history behind only Patrick Ewing (145) and Dikembe Mutombo (116).
Despite that, 2006 NBA champion Jason Williams, on an episode of the Hoopin’ N Hollerin’ Podcast on Jan. 13, had a rather cold take on Wembanyama’s abilities as a shot-blocker, stating he isn’t as good as Alonzo Mourning when it comes to blocking shots.
“Alonzo Mourning is a shot-blocker…Real shot-blockers are standing there waiting,” Williams said. Williams played 12 seasons in the NBA from 1998 to 2011, representing four teams in that span. He won the 2006 NBA championship with the Miami Heat as the starting point guard, playing alongside Hall of Famers Dwyane Wade, Shaquille O’Neal, and Mourning.
Jason Williams says Victor Wembanyama isn’t a real shot-blocker and only blocks shots because he’s over seven feet tall.
“Alonzo Morning is a shot-blocker…Real shot-blockers are standing there waiting.”
(🎥 @hoopinghollerin ) pic.twitter.com/5ECrd93Ee5
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) January 13, 2026
Williams also said that he would choose Cade Cunningham and Anthony Edwards first over Wembanyama when it comes to recent players who went first overall in their respective drafts. He also believes that the star center wouldn’t have the same impact if he played for the Memphis Grizzlies instead of the Spurs.
“What’s Wemby do on the Grizzlies?” Williams asked. “No knock to the Grizzlies, but what’s he do on that roster? He’s not as good on the Grizzlies roster as supposed to the Spurs roster.”
What’s Next on Schedule for Wembanyama and Spurs?
Williams can have his thoughts on whether Wembanyama has the ability to be a true shot-blocker. However, it is clear that the Spurs star is on a historic pace with his remarkable talent to play on both sides of the ball at an elite level.
This season, he is averaging 24 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, and 2.7 blocks per game throughout 26 appearances. He is shooting 51.4% from the field, including 35.4% from beyond the arc, and 83.6% from the free-throw line.
San Antonio boasts a 27-13 record on the season, holding the second spot in the Western Conference standings. They are even with the Denver Nuggets while trailing the Oklahoma City Thunder by 6.5 games.
Following two consecutive road losses, the Spurs will look to bounce back when they begin their three-game homestand. They host the Milwaukee Bucks on Jan. 15 at 8 p.m. ET, the Minnesota Timberwolves on Jan. 17 at 8 p.m. ET, and the Utah Jazz on Jan. 19 at 5 p.m. ET.
