Shaquille O'Neal says Victor Wembanyama not yet NBA's new face as Spurs trail Knicks in 2026 Finals
Former NBA star Shaquille O'Neal, now an analyst for ABC/ESPN, was asked which player he would pick with a No. 1 draft slot. He said he would likely choose LeBron James, noting that James had an immediate impact unlike Kobe Bryant, who took a few years to develop.
O'Neal also commented on the rising profile of 22‑year‑old Victor Wembanyama, saying the French forward is not yet the league’s new “face.” Wembanyama has helped the San Antonio Spurs reach the 2026 NBA Finals, averaging 27.8 points, 10.5 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 3.2 blocks over the last four games. The Spurs fell 107‑106 to the New York Knicks in Game 4, trailing the series 3‑1. Wembanyama earned Defensive Player of the Year honors and finished third in MVP voting. O'Neal praised his unique skill set while acknowledging that championships will ultimately define his legacy.