Shaquille O'Neal: Wembanyama is not yet the face of the league; his physique simply can't withstand me.

On June 17, Beijing Shaquille O'Neal won championships and an MVP 19 NBA seasons, and has been as a commentator for in-depth study. If he were GM with the first pick could choose any player history who would he pick? O'Neal told Washington Post: "Myself."

If self excluded?

"I'd probably pick LeBron James Compare him to Kobe and you'll understand LeBron had elite superstar maturity from the start; took him a couple of to develop that. So I'd go with

Who had that level of ability right when entered the league?

Victor Wembanyama, in just his third season, led his team to the Finals, faster than James, Kobe, Michael Jordan, and other all-time greats.

In the playoffs, Wembanyama has ended the debate about ended the debate on who's next face of the league; even he hasn't taken the symbolic title from LeBron's two-decade reign, he's incredibly close.

But the throne isn't given away without a.

"You have to claim," O'Neal before Game 5 of the Finals. "If he wins the he's the face; if Brunson wins, is Brunson. The league's face isn't given up—you have take it."

, who won the Defensive of the Year and placed third in MVP voting, has not yet peaked this season. As long stays healthy, this 22-year-old is destined to become a legendary figure.

He was the most hyped draft since LeBron 2003, and has already expectations. With his and agility, he can dominate the paint and from anywhere on court—a type never seen before, like an alien.

What it look like if faced Shaq in the same era?

"Drop it," O'Neal laughed. "Let's about desserts. His physical can't handle me. But I wasn't a defender, so he'd score plenty. No one could me one-on-one; can't assume that. Wemby is a great player, and it's his now. Don't compare me."

"I really appreciate Wembanyama and like Towns this series is so exciting," O'Neal said. "Two elite bigs head-to-head, the stronger one. In past Finals, guards took lead, but this time it's a big man duel. I truly love both big, and whoever wins, I'll be for him."