Former NBA guard Jason Williams has stirred controversy after questioning Victor Wembanyama’s defensive impact, and NBA fans weren’t having it.
During an episode of the Hoppin’ and Hollerin’ podcast hosted by Patrick Beverley and Williams, the conversation turned to a comparison between Wembanyama and Oklahoma City Thunder big man Chet Holmgren.
As the panel broke down their defensive styles, Williams shared why he doesn’t view either player as a legitimate shot blocker.
“Neither one of them are real shot blockers,” Williams said. “If they weren’t 7 f***ing feet, they not blocking them shots.”
He doubled down by adding, “Alonzo Mourning is a shot blocker… Real shot blockers are standing there waiting.”
The comments quickly rubbed NBA fans the wrong way.
@AaronWin33 flipped Williams’ logic, writing, “Steph Curry isn’t a real 3 point shooter and only gets his 3’s off because he’s shorter and quicker than most NBA players. Paul Pierce is a real 3 point shooter…real 3 point shooters are fat, slow, and still get their shots off with a beer belly.”
Steph Curry isn’t a real 3 point shooter and only gets his 3’s off because he’s shorter and quicker than most NBA players
Paul Pierce is a real 3 point shooter…real 3 point shooters are fat, slow, and still get their shots off with a beer belly
— AaronWin33 (@AaronWin33) January 13, 2026
@GoSockPuppets piled on sarcastically, “Ahhh so wemby should just become shorter to legitimize his shot blocking ability.”
Meanwhile, @NewMediaSports criticized the broader trend, saying, “The only thing bad about the nba season is former players get on podcast and say stuff for clicks.”
Despite Williams’ skepticism, Wembanyama has been dominant on the defensive end this season, averaging 2.7 blocks and 9.3 defensive rebounds through 25 games.
“Who the hell said he not a shot blocker?”: NBA fans react to Victor Wembanyama’s latest milestone
Williams’ comments only fueled the conversation further after Wembanyama delivered a historic performance against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday.
Despite the Spurs’ 119-98 loss, Wembanyama recorded his 500th career block, becoming the second-youngest player in NBA history to reach the milestone, trailing only former Atlanta Hawks star Josh Smith.
Fans wasted no time connecting the dots.
@thirdeyemo subtly called Williams out, saying, “Who the hell said he not a shot blocker?”
Who the hell said he not a shot blocker? 😂
— Saint Mo (@thirdeyemo) January 14, 2026
@HoodiiBarnes expressed disbelief, adding, “Wemby and Josh smith shouldn’t be allowed in the same sentence.”
@chandrakantdto marveled at the feat, writing, “500 blocks already and he still looks like he just spawned into the league.”
Beyond the record, Wembanyama finished with 17 points and seven rebounds, matching his season best. Still, it wasn’t enough to stop a Thunder team seeking revenge after three earlier losses to San Antonio.
Even amid criticism from former players, Wembanyama’s production continues to speak loudly—especially on the defensive end.
