Is the Spurs superstar the most "perfect" big man basketball has ever seen? One of the game's most dominant ever thinks so.
The evolution of the big man in the NBA is the most distinct example of athleticism redefining the traditional ways a position is played. Over the last decade and a half, it's arguably the most dramatic internal and external shift in perception across all of sports.
Big guys can do everything on the court now. Increased attention put on athleticism, shooting, ball-handling, and overall versatility in the prep basketball scene is unlike anything before. The players who have trained their entire lives this way are now taking over the Association and bringing this futuristic outlook into focus.
No player is a better representation of it than Victor Wembanyama.
Sure, there are God-given traits that come into play, especially for the 7-foot-4 Frenchman with a nearly 9-foot wingspan and mobility like a guard. But there is also an attention to detail that Wembanyama brings to his craft that allows his body to develop the way it has, and he's clearly reaping the benefits of that mindset.
Wemby just guided the San Antonio Spurs to a gentleman's sweep over the Portland Trail Blazers to put the Spurs into the second round of the playoffs for the first time in nine years.
During his postgame remarks after Tuesday's series-clinching win, hall of fame center and Inside the NBA analyst Shaquille O'Neal gave Wembanyama an endorsement that reiterates what many fans think when watching him: he is nothing like we've ever seen before.
"I think Wemby is the first perfect big man that ever [been] created," O'Neal said after Wembanyama torched the Blazers with a relatively easy-going performance of 17 points on 5-of-7 shooting, 14 rebounds, and six blocks.
"[He] 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, and for me, in a long time, he's a joy to watch."
O'Neal went down as the most dominant post player in NBA history as he destroyed would-be defenders with size and brute force.
Wembanyama's frame clearly isn't filled out the way Shaq's was, but his game is obviously more well-rounded, making him just as dominant in any way he wants to be.
The media hasn't given Wemby the nickname "The Alien" for no reason.
The MVP finalist took home unanimous Defensive Player of the Year honors as he turns away nearly every shot attempt in his direction under the basket. His greater than 3 blocks per game average has led the league in each of his three seasons in the NBA.
Offensively, Wemby continues to develop his skillset. He averaged a career-high 25 points per game on 51 percent shooting and nearly 35 percent from 3-point range this season.
Even the Spurs franchise has had its history of historic big men, with the physically imposing David Robertson and fundamental mastermind Tim Duncan both having Hall of Fame careers in the silver and black.
But Wembanyama's complete arsenal puts him on a pedestal that is uncommon. His length, speed, dexterity, and skill are simply unmatched.
He's the epitome of the modern big man, and one of the sport's best ever thinks he's the new standard.
