San Antonio Spurs, under the tutelage of Gregg Popovich, were fortunate to secure the first pick in this year’s draft. This upcoming draft class promises to introduce a multitude of highly talented young individuals to the upper echelons of basketball. One particular player, however, has captured significant attention from both the league and fans due to his impressive physical attributes and exceptional shooting skills. A fellow big man, Shaquille O’Neal, had a strong take on this French sensation, exerting substantial pressure on the young player.
Being selected as the number one pick in the NBA draft is undoubtedly a prestigious achievement that only a few individuals experience in their lifetime. It is, however, often overlooked how immense the pressure can be for these players. The career and tribulations of Anthony Bennett, who was drafted into the NBA in 2013 but failed to meet the demands of the league, serve as an example of the amount of pressure these kids are put under.
Shaquille O’Neal has a few thoughts on the potential number-one pick
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Victor Wembanyama is widely regarded as the top pick in this year’s draft. Standing at an imposing height of seven feet and four inches, he has showcased remarkable skills on both ends of the court, impressing with his offensive and defensive performances.
During an appearance on the Rich Eisen show, Shaquille O’Neal commented on the nineteen-year-old French prospect, stating, “He’s a good shooter, tall, he’s a 7’4 Kevin Durant, so I believe he can adapt very quickly.” Shaquille O’Neal swiftly drew comparisons between the young player and two-time NBA champion Kevin Durant, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest scorers in the league’s history. O’Neal emphasized that given Wembanyama’s skillset, he shouldn’t have any difficulties adjusting to the demanding and competitive nature of the NBA.
It remains to be seen if the 19-year-old can stand up to the expectations put on him by the Big Diesel.
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Three NBA legends set to make a return
The San Antonio Spurs, who secured the top pick in the draft through the lottery, are planning to bring back NBA legends Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili to serve as mentors for Victor Wembanyama. The Spurs are committed to ensuring that the French player receives the right kind of guidance from this trio, who have achieved remarkable success in the NBA. It will be fascinating to observe the impact of their mentorship on Victor Wembanyama’s development.
WATCH THIS STORY: Charles Barkley dismantles Shaquille O’Neal on live television.
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Do you think Victor Wembanyama will become an all-time great in the NBA? Let us know in the comments.