Victor Wembanyama: Navigating Expectations Amid Early Struggles
As the San Antonio Spurs embark on the 2024-25 NBA season, all eyes are on Victor Wembanyama, the towering French prodigy whose potential has been the subject of much anticipation. However, the first three games have provided a sobering reminder that the NBA is a league of adaptation and resilience.
Wembanyama, known for his defensive prowess and unique skill set for his size, has found the transition to the NBA pace challenging. In these initial outings, he has struggled to find his shooting touch, converting only six of his 24 jump shots—a meager 25% success rate. His long-range shooting has been even more problematic, with a scant four of 18 three-point attempts finding the basket.
The young star’s shooting woes aren’t entirely without precedent. Last season, after the All-Star break, Wembanyama’s shooting percentages showed room for improvement, with his jump shots landing at a 31% rate and his three-point attempts at 33%. With those numbers in mind, it’s not surprising that he continues to seek consistency on the floor.
Wembanyama has made clear that his struggles are not due to conditioning—having only participated minimally in two of the Spurs’ five preseason games—but rather a matter of rhythm and adjustment. "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," he explained.
Learning and Growing in the NBA Spotlight
Undoubtedly, Wembanyama’s journey in the NBA will not be defined by these early games alone. His recent performance at the Paris Olympics, where he led the French national team to a silver medal, demonstrated his capability and resilience under pressure. During the Olympics, he netted a 28% three-point shooting accuracy, showing room for improvement but also highlighting his potential to elevate his game with time and experience.
The Spurs, and indeed the broader basketball community, are aware that Wembanyama's integration into NBA play will include growing pains. His potential impact is not measured solely in shooting percentages but also in the versatility and unique challenges he poses to opponents on both ends of the court.
The Broader Landscape: NBA’s Three-Point Evolution
Meanwhile, the NBA landscape continues to evolve, with teams increasingly relying on three-point attempts as a core part of their offensive strategies. This season, nine teams consistently shoot over 40 three-point attempts per game, reflecting a league-wide trend that prioritizes outside shooting efficacy. The Boston Celtics set an example last season, averaging 42.5 three-point attempts per game.
Among players exemplifying the new norm is Anthony Edwards, who has upped his three-point attempts from 6.7 to over 13 per game, converting these at an impressive 41.5% rate. His success underscores the importance of adapting to modern-day NBA offenses, where perimeter shooting can shift game outcomes dramatically.
Karl-Anthony Towns, another beacon in this new era, has historically hit three-point shots at a 40% success rate over his career. In the current season, he has taken a more restrained approach with 66% success on limited attempts, while his overall shooting has decreased from 15.3 to 9.3 attempts per game. This shift indicates a strategic realignment within his game, ensuring high-quality shots within a team context.
Even as Wembanyama navigates these early hurdles, the wider contextual forces of the NBA—a league deeply in love with the three-pointer—present both challenges and opportunities. His progress will not only depend on his adaptation but also his ability to integrate into a rapidly changing league environment.
Jalen Brunson, commenting on the dynamics of team play amidst individual expectations, emphasized the necessity of cohesiveness: "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]."
Looking Forward: A Season of Growth and Adjustment
As the season progresses, Wembanyama will continue to learn and grow, both individually and as a cog in the Spurs’ machinery. Players, coaches, and fans alike remain optimistic about his development path, aware that the leaps he makes will come not from avoiding misses, but from learning through them and discovering his rhythm within the game's evolving paradigms.
His story is one of potential meeting opportunity in a league where adaptability is key. For Wembanyama and the Spurs, the journey has only just begun.