Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs continued their dominant run Tuesday night, securing a convincing Game 5 victory to advance to the second round of the NBA playoffs for the first time since 2017.
Wembanyama was once again impressive in just his second game back from a concussion, and as he leads the Spurs one step closer to a championship, NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal is taking notice.
Why Shaquille O’Neal Considers Victor Wembanyama the ‘Perfect Big Man’
Wembanyama got off to a flying start in the regular season and has carried that dominance into the playoffs, even becoming the first unanimous Defensive Player of the Year in NBA history.
However, defense is only part of his game. Wembanyama has also been an elite offensive presence, averaging 25 points and 3.1 assists per game during the regular season while shooting 51% from the field and 34.9% from 3-point range.
Watching him dominate on both ends of the floor across the season, O’Neal is convinced there is no big man better than him.
“I think Wemby is the first perfect big man that’s ever created. Can shoot, free throws, play defense, play offense, he’s a great team player. I’m happy for the Spurs, I’m happy for Wemby. He’s a joy to watch,” O’Neal said on “Inside the NBA.”
Shaq:
“I think Wemby is the first perfect big man that’s ever been created. He can shoot, free throws, play defense, play offense, he’s a great team player. I’m happy for Wemby. For me in a long time he’s a joy to watch”
Kenny and Chuck: “Like any big man?” 💀 pic.twitter.com/gJsNfPEeKU
— Oh No He Didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) April 29, 2026
O’Neal’s words carry significant weight, not only because he is one of the greatest centers in NBA history, but also because he has rarely praised fellow big men so highly, as seen in his past critiques of Dwight Howard and Rudy Gobert.
With Wembanyama consistently being the difference-maker whenever he is on the court, it is difficult to argue against the praise. He is arguably one of the best rim protectors in today’s NBA, and potentially one of the best the league has ever seen.
At the same time, the Frenchman maintains a team-first approach, often deferring to teammates when needed.
Against the Portland Trail Blazers in Game 5, Wembanyama took a step back offensively to allow De’Aaron Fox to lead the charge as the Spurs raced to a 36-24 lead after the first quarter.
Whenever Portland attempted a comeback, Wembanyama shut the door, finishing with 6 blocks. He ended the night with 17 points, 14 rebounds, and 3 assists, a day after posting 27 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 steals, and 7 blocks in the Game 4 win.
San Antonio now moves one step closer to title contention and will face the winner of the Denver Nuggets vs. Minnesota Timberwolves series in the Western Conference semifinals.
