NEW YORK — Shaquille O’Neal, one of the most dominant big men in NBA history, delivered high praise for San Antonio Spurs phenom Victor Wembanyama, declaring the 22-year-old French star “the first perfect big man that’s ever created” during a passionate segment on TNT’s “Inside the NBA.”

The moment, which quickly went viral after Tuesday night’s playoff coverage, came as the panel discussed the Spurs’ series-clinching victory over the Portland Trail Blazers. O’Neal, who has historically been critical of modern big men for their perimeter-oriented styles, made a rare and glowing exception for Wembanyama.

“I think Wemby is the first perfect big man that’s ever created,” O’Neal said. “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.”

The comments stunned co-hosts Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith and Ernie Johnson, who immediately highlighted the significance of Shaq breaking from his usual skepticism toward contemporary centers. O’Neal has long lamented the shift away from traditional post play, often criticizing players who prioritize three-point shooting over interior dominance.

Wembanyama, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, has emerged as a generational talent in just his third season. Standing at 7-foot-4 with exceptional skill, length and basketball IQ, he has transformed the Spurs into a serious Western Conference contender. His ability to stretch the floor with elite shooting while anchoring the defense has drawn comparisons to legends like Kevin Garnett and Dirk Nowitzki — but with even greater physical tools.

The Spurs’ playoff success without injured star players further impressed O’Neal. Despite missing key contributors in several games, San Antonio advanced past Portland, showcasing the depth and system built around Wembanyama’s unique abilities.

NBA analysts and fans reacted swiftly to Shaq’s praise. Many viewed it as one of the strongest endorsements a young player has received from a Hall of Famer. Social media exploded with clips of the moment, with users noting that O’Neal rarely offers such unqualified admiration for current big men.

Wembanyama’s impact extends beyond statistics. His maturity, work ethic and team-first mentality have earned respect league-wide. At just 22 years old, he already leads the Spurs in scoring, rebounding and blocks while maintaining one of the league’s highest efficiency ratings. His defensive versatility allows him to guard multiple positions, fundamentally altering opponents’ offensive schemes.

The Spurs organization has carefully managed Wembanyama’s development, focusing on long-term sustainability rather than rushing his growth. Coach Gregg Popovich has been instrumental in nurturing the young star’s game while protecting him from overexertion. The team’s culture of player development and winning basketball appears perfectly suited to Wembanyama’s talents.

For O’Neal, the praise represents a significant shift. The four-time NBA champion and former MVP has often positioned himself as the gold standard for big men, frequently challenging today’s centers to match his physical dominance and post presence. His acknowledgment of Wembanyama as “perfect” carries substantial weight within basketball circles.

League observers suggest the comments could further elevate Wembanyama’s already rising profile. As the Spurs look ahead to deeper playoff runs, the young phenom’s ability to carry a franchise will be tested against more experienced Western Conference contenders.

The moment also highlights the evolving nature of the center position in today’s NBA. Traditional back-to-the-basket big men have given way to versatile, position-less players who can stretch the floor and defend at multiple levels. Wembanyama embodies this modern archetype while still possessing elite size and rim protection.

As the playoffs continue, all eyes will remain on Wembanyama and the Spurs. Their series victory over Portland has generated excitement about what the franchise can achieve with its young core. Shaq’s endorsement adds another layer of validation to Wembanyama’s rapid ascent.

For basketball fans, the clip represents more than just praise — it’s a passing of the torch moment from one generation’s dominant big man to the next. O’Neal’s words carry the authority of someone who revolutionized the position, making his rare compliment particularly meaningful.

Wembanyama himself has responded humbly to such praise throughout his young career. Known for his focus and professionalism, he continues prioritising team success and continuous improvement over individual accolades.

As the NBA postseason intensifies, the conversation around Wembanyama’s potential will only grow louder. With Shaquille O’Neal — a legend who once dominated the paint — now calling him the first perfect big man, the French star’s place in basketball history appears to be just beginning.

The viral moment has already sparked countless debates, memes and highlight compilations across social media. For a new generation of NBA fans, it serves as both validation of Wembanyama’s talent and a reminder of the high standards set by previous eras of big men.

Whether Wembanyama can live up to such lofty expectations remains to be seen, but Tuesday night’s comments from Shaq have only heightened anticipation for what the future holds for one of the league’s brightest young stars.

A multi-million-dollar shopping precinct anchored by Woolworths has been approved, despite the local government’s opposition.

Woolworths Group’s development arm Fabcot proposed to build a retail centre with a supermarket and 10 tenancies on 822 Youle-Dean Road in Brabham.

At its meeting on Wednesday, the Metro Outer Development Assessment Panel approved the development, which is estimated to cost $22 million.

The City of Swan recommended the development be refused, claiming there was a lack of safe pedestrian connections and inconsistencies with its Brabham district centre precinct structure plan.

City of Swan councillor Rod Henderson was the only panel member who voted against the application, citing traffic issues.

“The applicant needs to go away and fully assess those things,” he said at the meeting.

“We only have part of the story here and they need to go back to the drawing board.”

Despite the opposition, four out of five panel members voted to approve the proposed Woolworths at Brabham.

The panel’s presiding member Eugene Koltasz acknowledged the concerns about Youle-Dean Road running through the proposed centre.

“It’s not unusual that district centres have major roads going through them… [like]  Joondalup centre, there’s traffic running through Whitford centre,” he said.

“These things happen, it’s regrettable perhaps.

“[But] it’s gone through iteration for a number of years for this area.”

The proposed Woolworths supermarket will cover 3,732 square metres with the total net lettable area for the shopping centre estimated at 4,968sqm.

Urbis compiled the development application on behalf of Fabcot.

“The proposal is considered to be a catalyst for community development, as a part of the continued growth of the Brabham, retail town centre,” the application read.

Summer passenger bookings to date are up 6.2%

Jet2 has revealed that holidaymakers are increasingly leaving it until the last minute to book their trips since the outbreak of the Iran war, amid growing anxiety surrounding the conflict’s impact and concerns over jet fuel supplies.

The company said summer passenger bookings to date are up 6.2%, driven by expansion across both its airline and package holiday operations. However, signalling rising unease amongst travellers, it disclosed that the “booking profile has become increasingly close to departure” as a result of the Middle East war.

The firm said it has robust protection against the fuel cost surge triggered by the Iran war for the crucial summer period, adding that it is “maintaining frequent dialogue with our fuel suppliers and airport partners on fuel supply”.

The group’s load factor – a crucial indicator of how effectively it fills its aircraft – has held steady year-on-year throughout its first quarter thus far. That said, it noted the conflict has left limited visibility for the peak summer months and beyond.

The update came after Heathrow airport issued a separate warning on Wednesday that it anticipates passenger figures for the remainder of the year will be affected by developments in the Middle East.

Airspace restrictions following the commencement of hostilities in the Middle East on February 28 have had a substantial impact on air travel. While much of the region’s airspace has subsequently reopened, numerous travellers are steering clear of flying there owing to the ongoing conflict. A number of European airlines have also recently raised concerns about looming jet fuel shortages in the coming weeks, due to disruption affecting their primary supply route through the Strait of Hormuz.

Approximately three quarters of Europe’s jet fuel provision originates from the Middle East and passes through the vital shipping corridor.

Steve Heapy, chief executive of Leeds-based Jet2, said: “Clearly, we continue to monitor the situation in the Middle East but remain focused on our medium-term goals.”

The group indicated it anticipates reporting a decline in operating profits to between £435 million and £440 million for the year ending March 31, down from £446.5 million in 2024-25, though stated this aligned with market expectations.

It has expanded its summer schedule for 2026 by 7.7% to 19.9 million passenger seats.

Motor Show 2026 saw record 130,000 bookings, driven by EV demand and shifting consumer priorities. Growth relies on imports, highlighting the need for domestic EV production, supply chain development, and fair competition.

Key Takeways

🚗 Booking Trends

• Record 130,000 car bookings, the highest ever.
• Driven by strong demand for electric vehicles (EVs), boosted by high oil prices from Middle East conflict.
• Chinese automakers gained significant market share, reflecting shifting consumer preferences.

👥 Consumer Behavior

• Buyers now prioritize value for money and technology over brand loyalty.
• EVs often chosen as second or additional household cars, making consumers more open to new entrants.

📉 Conversion & Risks

• About 70% of bookings expected to convert into deliveries, lower than the 75–80% average in 2022–2025.
• Tight credit conditions for EVs (high down payments, shorter loan terms).
• Risk of cancellations due to new model launches or long delivery times.

Record High Bookings at Motor Show 2026

Motor Show 2026 achieved a record-breaking 130,000 car bookings, driven largely by the growing popularity of electric vehicles (EVs) and changing consumer preferences in Thailand. Chinese automakers gained significant market share as consumers prioritized “value for money and comprehensive technology” over brand loyalty. Rising oil prices due to the Middle East conflict further accelerated the shift toward EVs, often chosen as a second vehicle, leading to increasing interest in newer automakers entering the Thai market.

Delivery Rates and Economic Impact

SCB EIC estimates about 70% of bookings at the Motor Show will convert to actual deliveries, slightly lower than previous years due to tighter credit approvals and high down payments for EVs. Consumer cancellations may increase with new model launches and long delivery times. Despite growing vehicle sales, the economic impact on Thailand remains limited because most cars sold are imported, highlighting the need to strengthen the domestic supply chain and EV infrastructure.

Supporting Thailand’s EV and Automotive Industry

The EV transition is progressing rapidly, but support for traditional automakers must continue. Investment in domestic EV production and the parts manufacturing network should increase alongside efforts to create a competitive, fair market for both established and new players. This would enhance economic value, reduce import reliance, and ensure sustainable growth for Thailand’s automotive industry.

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NEW YORK — Rockstar Games has officially confirmed that Grand Theft Auto VI will launch on Thursday, November 19, 2026, for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, marking the latest delay for one of the most anticipated video games in history as the studio prioritises quality and polish.

The announcement, made via Rockstar’s Newswire on November 6, 2025, pushed the game back from its previous May 2026 target. In a brief statement, the studio apologised to fans for the additional wait but emphasised that the extra months would allow them to deliver the level of refinement players expect. “We are sorry for adding additional time to what we realise has been a long wait,” Rockstar wrote, “but these extra months will allow us to finish the game with the level of polish you have come to expect and deserve.”

The news comes after an earlier delay from the original autumn 2025 window. Take-Two Interactive, Rockstar’s parent company, first revealed the May 2026 date in May 2025 before adjusting it again six months later. Industry analysts suggest the repeated delays reflect the immense technical and creative ambition behind the project, which features a massive open-world recreation of Vice City and surrounding areas in the state of Leonida.

Rockstar has remained characteristically tight-lipped about specific gameplay details since the second trailer dropped. However, leaks, insider reports and official teases point to significant advancements over Grand Theft Auto V. The game is expected to introduce a more dynamic world with advanced AI, improved physics, and deeper storytelling elements. The return to Vice City — a sun-soaked, satirical take on Miami — has generated enormous excitement among fans nostalgic for the vibrant setting of GTA: Vice City.

The November 19, 2026 release date positions GTA 6 for the lucrative holiday season, traditionally one of the strongest periods for major game releases. Take-Two has repeatedly expressed confidence in the title’s potential to break records, with some analysts forecasting first-year sales exceeding $2 billion. The game is widely expected to become one of the best-selling entertainment products of all time, potentially rivaling or surpassing its predecessor.

For PC players, the wait is likely to be even longer. Multiple reports suggest a PC version could arrive in early to mid-2027, following Rockstar’s traditional pattern of releasing console versions first. This staggered approach has drawn criticism from some fans but remains standard practice for the studio to optimise performance across platforms.

The long development cycle for GTA 6 has been the subject of intense speculation and leaks. Rockstar faced internal challenges, including a major data breach in 2022 that exposed early footage. Despite these setbacks, the studio has maintained a reputation for delivering exceptionally polished products. Red Dead Redemption 2, released in 2018 after years of development, is still regarded by many as one of the finest open-world games ever made.

As anticipation builds toward the November 2026 launch, Rockstar is expected to ramp up marketing efforts. A third trailer is widely predicted for summer 2026, potentially during major gaming events or as part of a dedicated showcase. Pre-order details and edition information are also likely to emerge in the coming months.

The cultural impact of GTA 6 is already significant. The first trailer, released in December 2023, shattered viewing records and generated billions of impressions across social media. Fans have spent years analysing every frame, speculating about new mechanics, characters and the evolution of the series’ signature blend of satire, storytelling and open-world freedom.

For Rockstar and Take-Two, the stakes could not be higher. Grand Theft Auto V remains one of the best-selling games of all time, with ongoing revenue from GTA Online helping to fund development of the sequel. The company’s stock has fluctuated with each delay announcement, reflecting investor sensitivity to the project’s timeline and budget.

Gamers worldwide have mixed reactions to the latest delay. While many express disappointment at waiting longer, others appreciate Rockstar’s commitment to quality. “I’d rather wait another six months for something amazing than get a rushed game,” one popular comment read on social media following the announcement.

As development enters what appears to be its final stages, the focus shifts to ensuring GTA 6 meets the extraordinarily high expectations set by its predecessors. With November 19, 2026 now locked in as the target date, the countdown is officially on for what many believe will be a landmark moment in gaming history.

The next 18 months will likely bring a steady stream of official updates, trailers and marketing campaigns as Rockstar prepares to launch its most ambitious title yet. For millions of fans, the wait — though longer than hoped — promises to be worth it when they finally step back into the neon-drenched streets of Vice City.

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