The Big Diesel joins the chorus of Hall of Famers crowning San Antonio as the NBA’s next dynasty, citing Victor Wembanyama’s unique dominance over Western Conference rivals.
Tracy McGrady isn't the lone Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer to publicly announce their belief that the NBA now belongs to the San Antonio Spurs.
Just days after McGrady predicted Victor Wembanyama to achieve the elusive accolade "sweep," another legend of the sport is expressing his confidence in the new Western Conference power.
It's the "Big Diesel."
Shaquille O'Neal brought "The Big Podcast" to Fanatics Fest, and that's where he joined McGrady in anticipating another championship run for Wembanyama's Spurs while name-dropping their likeliest challenger for the conference crown.
“I’m going to go with the Spurs over the Thunder," O'Neal said.
During the 2025-26 regular season, San Antonio faced Oklahoma City five times ... picking up four victories.
The Spurs' advantage over the Thunder carried over into the playoffs after they defeated the then-reigning champs in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals.
Even with the cost-cutting moves OKC GM Sam Presti pursued this summer, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and company are presumed to be the most obvious candidate to stand in San Antonio's way.
But that reality doesn't seem to carry much weight for Shaq Daddy.
“Yeah, because it’s a matchup problem with Victor Wembanyama when he plays the right way. So, you know, they are neck and neck," O'Neal continued. "They’re very similar, but I think if Victor can dominate three out of four games in any playoff series, I’ll always go with the Spurs.”
This take isn't new for O'Neal, however.
He's been a fan of what San Antonio has been building — and Wembanyama — for a while now, evidenced by some of his past soundbites.
"I think Wemby is the first perfect big man that's ever been created," O'Neal said after the Spurs' opening-round Game 5 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers. "He can shoot, free throws, play defense, play offense. He's a great team player."
And as for the rest of the team?
"I'm happy for the Spurs. I'm happy for Wemby. And for me, in a long time, he's a joy to watch."
The Spurs obviously don't gain anything beyond media and fan attention when past stars like McGrady and O'Neal shower them with praise ... but that doesn't render the comments meaningless.
These are pioneers of the game that are going out of their way to let the world know that San Antonio is coming.
And Wembanyama? Well, I think most NBA legends, fans, analysts and even haters alike can recognize that he's already arrived.
