Business
Is the Spurs Phenom Already Better Than Prime Diesel?
SAN ANTONIO — Victor Wembanyama’s meteoric rise has ignited one of the most provocative debates in modern NBA history: Is the 22-year-old Spurs superstar already surpassing the legendary dominance of Shaquille O’Neal at a comparable stage of their careers? While Shaq’s physical force defined an era, Wembanyama’s unprecedented blend of size, skill and defensive impact in the 2026 playoffs has many observers drawing direct comparisons — and leaning toward the Frenchman as a generational outlier.
Wembanyama, in just his third NBA season, has delivered playoff performances that echo — and in some statistical categories exceed — the early brilliance of O’Neal. During the 2026 Western Conference finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder, the 7-foot-4 center posted historic numbers, including a 41-point, 24-rebound masterpiece in Game 1 that marked one of the greatest individual playoff performances in recent memory.
Through the early stages of the 2026 postseason, Wembanyama averaged approximately 22.1 points, 12.3 rebounds and 4.0 blocks per game, becoming the youngest player ever to average 20 points, 10 rebounds and four blocks across at least 10 playoff games. He also set the NBA’s postseason blocks record and joined elite company as the first center since O’Neal in 2002 with multiple 30-point games in a Conference Finals series.
Statistical Head-to-Head Career regular-season averages favor the more established O’Neal, who posted 23.7 points per game over 19 seasons compared to Wembanyama’s 23.4 through three years. However, the advanced metrics tell a more nuanced story. Wembanyama has already surpassed O’Neal for the most career games with five or more blocks by a player aged 22 or younger.
In the 2025-26 regular season, Wembanyama averaged 25.0 points, 11.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists and a league-leading 3.1 blocks while shooting efficiently. He became the youngest Defensive Player of the Year in NBA history and the first-ever unanimous winner, claiming all 100 first-place votes.
O’Neal, in his prime with the Orlando Magic and early Lakers years, delivered raw physical dominance with peak seasons approaching 30 points and 13 rebounds. Yet even Shaq has publicly praised Wembanyama as “the first perfect big man that’s ever been created,” citing his shooting, defense, offense and teamwork.
Defensive Legacy Wembanyama’s rim protection and versatility represent a defensive evolution. At 22, he has already anchored one of the league’s top defenses and earned comparisons suggesting he could have a bigger long-term defensive impact than O’Neal. His ability to contest shots from the perimeter while erasing attempts at the rim creates unique problems for opponents.
An anonymous Western Conference executive captured the sentiment: “At least Shaq was human in the sense that you needed three centers to bang with him… But there’s no archetype like (Wembanyama) — no player ever. It’s a problem, and it’s going to be a problem for 15 years.”
Offensive Versatility Where O’Neal relied on overwhelming power and post dominance, Wembanyama offers a more expansive offensive toolkit. His shooting range, passing vision and ability to create for teammates differentiate him from traditional centers. In the 2026 playoffs, he has demonstrated comfort operating from the high post, stretching defenses and finishing with finesse.
Still, detractors note that O’Neal’s peak included three consecutive NBA championships and Finals MVPs with the Lakers, feats Wembanyama has yet to approach. Shaq’s physicality in his prime forced teams into desperate matchup strategies rarely seen today.
Cultural and Market Impact Both players transformed their franchises upon arrival. O’Neal helped elevate the Magic and later powered the Lakers’ dynasty. Wembanyama has resurrected the Spurs, leading them deep into the 2026 playoffs and restoring excitement to a once-proud franchise. His global appeal, particularly in Europe, mirrors O’Neal’s larger-than-life persona but with a modern, multifaceted twist.
Shaquille O’Neal has reacted positively to Wembanyama’s ascent, calling him a joy to watch and acknowledging the uniqueness of his game. This endorsement from one of the most dominant big men ever carries significant weight in the ongoing conversation.
The Verdict Remains Premature At this stage, most analysts conclude that while Wembanyama has achieved unprecedented early success and possesses a skill set that could ultimately eclipse O’Neal’s legacy, it is too soon for a definitive declaration. Longevity, championships and sustained excellence remain the true measures of greatness.
Wembanyama’s combination of length, coordination and basketball IQ evokes comparisons not just to Shaq but to a hypothetical fusion of elite big men across eras. His ability to impact winning at both ends while maintaining efficiency sets a new standard for the position.
As the 2026 playoffs continue, Wembanyama has the opportunity to further cement his place in the conversation. Should he lead the Spurs to a championship run at such a young age, the debate will intensify. For now, the basketball world watches with fascination as one of the most unique talents in league history chases — and in some ways redefines — the benchmarks set by a legend.
The comparison ultimately highlights the evolution of the center position. Where Shaq dominated through sheer force, Wembanyama represents the modern ideal: a mobile, skilled giant capable of adapting to today’s pace-and-space game while retaining old-school rim protection. Whether he surpasses O’Neal’s overall career remains a question for the next decade, but in 2026, the young phenom has already forced the NBA to reconsider what peak dominance looks like.
Invesco is an independent investment management firm dedicated to delivering an investment experience that helps people get more out of life.Be the first to know! Sign up for Invesco US Blog and get expert investment views as they post.Disclosure for all Invesco US articles: Before investing, carefully read the prospectus and/or summary prospectus and carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses. The information provided is for educational purposes only and does not constitute a recommendation of the suitability of any investment strategy for a particular investor. Invesco does not provide tax advice. The tax information contained herein is general and is not exhaustive by nature. Federal and state tax laws are complex and constantly changing. Investors should always consult their own legal or tax professional for information concerning their individual situation. The opinions expressed are those of the authors, are based on current market conditions and are subject to change without notice. These opinions may differ from those of other Invesco investment professionals. NOT FDIC INSURED MAY LOSE VALUE NO BANK GUARANTEE All data provided by Invesco unless otherwise noted. Invesco Distributors, Inc. is the US distributor for Invesco Ltd.’s retail products and collective trust funds. Invesco Advisers, Inc. and other affiliated investment advisers mentioned provide investment advisory services and do not sell securities. Invesco Unit Investment Trusts are distributed by the sponsor, Invesco Capital Markets, Inc., and broker-dealers including Invesco Distributors, Inc. PowerShares® is a registered trademark of Invesco PowerShares Capital Management LLC (Invesco PowerShares). Each entity is an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Invesco Ltd. ©2015 Invesco Ltd. All rights reserved.
Manhattan Institute expert Adam Lehodey says NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s outreach to Wall Street leaders signals a recognition that New York cannot fund progressive priorities without keeping businesses and wealthy investors in the city.
Billionaire Citadel founder Ken Griffin is encouraging New York’s business leaders to take on socialist Mayor Zohran Mamdani, warning that the city’s future could be at risk if employers and investors stay quiet.
“They need to find their voice and fight for their city,” Griffin said Thursday at a Manhattan event, according to Bloomberg.
“My advice is to speak up. What’s the worst that’s going to happen? It will be that New York empties of talent and that’s a catastrophe. If the mayor wants to say a few words about you, your record speaks for itself: You create jobs, you create value and you pay taxes.”
MAMDANI’S WALL STREET COURTSHIP SPARKS CRITICISM OF ANTI-BILLIONAIRE AGENDA
The Citadel founder is clashing with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani over taxes targeting the ultra-wealthy and intensifying crime, reviving the same tensions that drove him to pull his business and billions out of Chicago. (Spencer Platt/Aaron Schwartz/Bloomberg/Getty Images / Getty Images / Getty Images)
Griffin’s remarks mark the latest chapter in an ongoing clash between Wall Street’s billionaire class and Mamdani, whose proposals to raise taxes on wealthy New Yorkers and luxury property owners have drawn fierce criticism from business leaders concerned about the city’s economic competitiveness.
The financial titan, whose net worth is estimated at $48.3 billion according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, argued that New York’s corporate leaders should focus on the long-term future of the city rather than short-term political battles.
BILLIONAIRE KEN GRIFFIN SAYS CITADEL’S CHICAGO EXODUS WAS ‘NOT HARD,’ CITES CRIME, TAXES
“Everything should be viewed through the lens of, Citadel will be here far longer than he’ll be mayor,” Griffin said.
The comments come as Griffin and Mamdani appear to be cautiously opening a dialogue after months of public sparring over taxes, wealth and the city’s business climate.
The socialist mayor recently reached out to Griffin after previously criticizing the billionaire hedge fund manager over his Manhattan penthouse and personal wealth. Mamdani notably stood outside Griffin’s luxury property to promote his proposal to raise taxes on second homes in New York City worth more than $5 million.
CHICAGO KNOWS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN KEN GRIFFIN TURNS ON A CITY, NOW MAMDANI MAY FIND OUT
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s “pied-a-terre” wealth tax on luxury properties ignites a contentious debate, drawing strong criticism from Citadel CEO Ken Griffin and hedge fund manager Bill Ackman.
The outreach comes as some business leaders warn New York risks alienating major employers and investors — a concern Griffin has raised before in another major American city.
The tensions have fueled concerns among some business leaders that New York could follow a path similar to Chicago, where Griffin spent years criticizing crime, taxes and public policy before moving Citadel’s headquarters to Miami in 2022. The relocation marked the departure of one of the financial industry’s most influential firms and underscored the economic impact that can follow when a major corporate player leaves a major city.
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Citadel founder and CEO Ken Griffin described New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s “tax the rich” video targeting him as a “creepy and weird” political advertisement. (Krisztian Bocsi/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)
Griffin has repeatedly pointed to Florida’s business climate as a model and warned that policies targeting high earners and businesses could make New York less competitive.
Griffin said he plans to talk to Mamdani “at some point in the months ahead.”
“Let’s see where he is on the state of policy at that time,” he said. “Actions speak louder than words.”
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Cash Builder Opportunities (aka Nick Ackerman) is a former fiduciary and a registered financial advisor with 14 years of investing experience.He is the leader of the investing group Cash Builder Opportunities, where his specific focus is on closed-end funds, dividend growth stocks, and option writing as an attractive way to achieve income. He shares model portfolios and research to help investors make better decisions, via his Investing Group’s active chat room.
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Aaron Chow, aka Elephant Analytics has 15+ years of analytical experience and is a top rated analyst on TipRanks. Aaron previously co-founded a mobile gaming company (Absolute Games) that was acquired by PENN Entertainment. He used his analytical and modeling skills to design the in-game economic models for two mobile apps with over 30 million in combined installs. He is the author of the investing group Distressed Value Investing, which focuses on both value opportunities and distressed plays, with a significant focus on the energy sector. Learn more>>
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The author is a director at a small Boston-based software company where he oversees India operations across HR, finance, and business development. His broader professional background spans entrepreneurship, operations, and management across multiple industries. Earlier in his career, he was involved in building out a bottled beverages plant, reflecting a longstanding interest in business building, execution, and commercial strategy. He also holds a PhD in history and teaches part-time at a local college, bringing a research-driven and analytical perspective to both his professional and investing workHe has been investing in U.S. equities for nearly two decades, having started well before international access to U.S. markets became commonplace for Indian investors. Over time, he has developed a style that sits between value and growth. He is most interested in businesses where long-term earnings potential, competitive positioning, or strategic optionality are not yet fully reflected in the stock price. His work is grounded in valuation, but he also looks closely at business quality, management execution, industry structure, and the durability of growth.His primary sector focus is software, IT, and AI, including the growing application of AI across industries such as healthcare. He is especially interested in companies with scalable models, improving economics, and the ability to compound earnings over time. At the same time, his interests are not limited to technology. He also follows real estate-related opportunities, including REITs, and remains open to writing on other sectors where the investment case is compelling.On Seeking Alpha, he aims to write thoughtful, research-based articles that combine business analysis with valuation discipline. His goal is not simply to identify attractive stories but to assess whether the market is mispricing risk, growth, or long-term earnings power. He writes to share well-reasoned ideas with serious investors, refine his own thinking through public analysis, and contribute to a more disciplined discussion around investing. The author is associated with another Seeking Alpha analyst – Dr. Manimala M.
Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.
Seeking Alpha’s Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.
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