Wembanyama’s Journey in the NBA: A Slow Start but Full of Promise
As the 2024-25 NBA season kicks off, all eyes are on Victor Wembanyama, the towering new player for the San Antonio Spurs. Widely regarded as a rising star, Wembanyama's performance in the first few games of the season has shown both his potential and the challenges he faces as he adjusts to the NBA's demands.
Wembanyama's shooting stats in the opening games might raise eyebrows. He successfully converted only six of his 24 jump shots and missed 14 out of 18 three-point attempts. These figures stand in stark contrast to his performance post-All-Star break last season, where he made 31% of his jump shots and 33% of his three-point attempts. This slow start has sparked discussions around his consistency and ability to adapt to the NBA’s style.
The young Frenchman discussed his shooting form candidly, stating, "The conditioning is not an excuse. For the missed shots ... it's just taking shots in rhythm. That's the most important for me. I think I'm comfortable in every area of the floor to shoot, but at the same time, if I'm not in rhythm, any area of the floor I'll miss." This self-awareness and focus on rhythm indicate that Wembanyama is determined to find his groove in the games to come.
Interestingly, Wembanyama’s offseason wasn't without highlights. He was a crucial figure for the French national team, leading them to a silver medal at the Paris Olympics. However, his three-point shooting percentage of 28% during the tournament suggests that finding rhythm from beyond the arc is still a work in progress. Despite these shooting woes, his influence and leadership on the court cannot be overlooked.
Beyond individual performances, a broader trend is evident in the league as teams increasingly rely on three-point attempts. This season, nine NBA teams are consistently shooting more than 40 three-point attempts per game, a testament to the evolving strategy of high-volume perimeter shooting. Last season, the Boston Celtics stood out with an average of 42.5 three-point attempts per game, setting a precedent that more teams seem to be following.
Within this context of towering three-point statistics, other players are making significant adjustments in their gameplay as well. Anthony Edwards, for instance, has more than doubled his three-point attempts, increasing from 6.7 to over 13 per game while maintaining an impressive 41.5% conversion rate. Meanwhile, Karl-Anthony Towns, a seasoned shooter with a career 40% success rate from beyond the arc, has been extraordinarily efficient this season, hitting 66% of his three-point attempts on limited tries. However, Towns has also seen a decrease in his overall shot attempts from 15.3 to 9.3 per game, suggesting a more selective approach to his shooting.
Leadership on the court is not just about personal performance but also involves ensuring team cohesion, as emphasized by Jalen Brunson. Reflecting on his responsibility to his teammates, he remarked, "It's on me as a teammate to make sure we're all on the same page and that everyone's eating. I've got to be better when it comes to that. I've got to adjust, and I've got to see [Towns]." This highlights the importance of adaptation, not just for Wembanyama but for all players amidst evolving team dynamics.
Wembanyama's NBA journey is just beginning, and despite the initial shooting struggles, there's little doubt about his potential impact. His dedication to improving and his ability to read the nuances of team play bode well for his future with the Spurs and beyond. As the season progresses, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how he and his peers continue to adapt to an increasingly three-point-centric NBA landscape. With determination etched into his approach, Wembanyama’s journey promises to be one of the most compelling narratives this season.