The legendary show, ‘Inside the NBA,’ is back, this time on ESPN, with Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson. Fans missed the banter as well as the enticing NBA matchups. One of the most exciting ones was Victor Wembanyama vs Cooper Flagg.
Wembanyama shook up the league with his athleticism, physicality, and desire to play on both ends of the court. At 7’4, he was moving rapidly, which surprised everyone. His agility and flexibility was on full display with his 8-feet wingspan.
Wemby and the San Atnonio Spurs defeated Cooper Flagg’s Dallas Mavericks 125-92 on Thursday, and Barkley was thoroughly impressed. So much so that he messed up with Shaq about how Wemby would beat Shaq if they ever played against each other. Barkley joked how Shaq wouldn’t stand a chance if Wemby played like this in a hypothetical matchup.
“Me and Kenny were having a debate. 40 or 45, Wemby vs Shaq,” Barkley said at 0:28.
Kenny chimed in, saying:
“We also said if you had a draft of all the greatest big men of all time. You’d slide down to this big fella [Victor Wembanyama]. Wemby would have been shooting at me, but would have been dotting your a**, bring you outside, between the legs, step backs.”
Shaq defended himself and said:
“You know what’s crazy about y’all? I’m not known for defense. He can score. Listen, he can score all he wants.”
Kenny interrupted Shaq to say:
“Why don’t you defend yourself, against Wemby?”
Ernie stepped in and said, “Stop pushing his buttons man.” Barkley certainly didn’t listen to Ernie and hilariously remarked, “You can’t guard Wemby on that three-point line.”
Shaq ended the conversation by joking about Wemby’s French nationality. He said:
“I’m not known for defense, but you know what I’m known for? Eating French fries and French toast.”
Victor Wembanyama vs Cooper Flagg Showdown
Cooper Flagg was drafted as the No. 1 pick by the Dallas Mavericks in the 2025 NBA Draft. Mavs chose to let go of their star Luka Doncic in exchange for Anthony Davis, which also allowed Mavs to draft Flagg. Former Duke star had a decent outing with a double-double. He scored 10 points and got 10 rebounds in 32 minutes played.
It was definitely not enough as Wemby overshadowed the rookie. He scored 40 points and got 15 rebounds. Anthony Davis also got a double-double It was a dominating display which led the Spurs to a commanding win.
Read more:
“I Don’t Like His A**”: Stephen A. Smith Continues His Beef With LeBron James With Stern Admission
‘It Always Comeback to Him’: Former NBA Star Throws Shade at LeBron James Over Cooper Flagg Remarks
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