Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren represent two faces of the new NBA: tall, mobile, skilled players capable of doing things that seemed unimaginable for players of their size just a few years ago. Alongside their well-known defensive abilities, Wemby stands out for his ball-handling and playmaking, while Chet excels at moving without the ball and finding his spot as a spot-up shooter almost like a wing.
But what would have happened if, instead of facing each other, they had gone up against Shaquille O’Neal in his prime? Shaq’s answer, as usual, was anything but diplomatic.
On The Big Podcast with Shaqthe NBA legend discussed a potential matchup with the two young phenoms and immediately shifted the conversation onto his own terms: according to O’Neal, neither Wembanyama nor Holmgren would have stood a chance against the most dominant version of himself.
I hate to project into the future, but I would make both of those motherf*****s quit
Shaquille O’Neal via The Big Podcast
A battle between generations
For Shaq, having a shooting big man can work, but only if he’s shooting 50% from beyond the arc.
You’ve got to shoot at a high percentage. There are no big men shooting over 50%
Shaquille O’Neal via The Big Podcast
Ultimately, the real matchup is between two completely different ways of interpreting the center position. On one side is the new NBAwhere a 7-foot-3 player can handle the ball like a guard and shoot threes. On the other is Shaq, one of the most physically dominant players the league has ever seen, arguing that efficiency, intimidation and a willingness to battle in the paint would still be the keys to victory.