Wembanyama's Early Struggles and Promising Signs
As the 2024-25 NBA season gets underway, all eyes are on Victor Wembanyama, the towering force for the San Antonio Spurs. Despite the expectations surrounding the French phenom, Wembanyama has had a challenging start, struggling to find his rhythm on the court. In the first three games of the season, he has converted only six of his 24 jump shots, while his three-point shooting has been particularly concerning, missing 14 of 18 attempts. This translates to a mere 25% success rate on jump shots and an even lower 22% from beyond the arc.
Last season, after the NBA All-Star break, Wembanyama showed signs of potential, with a 31% conversion rate for jump shots and 33% for three-pointers. These figures, though modest, suggest room for improvement, especially if he can rediscover that post-break form. His limited participation in two of the Spurs' five preseason games might also be a factor in his slow start, highlighting the need for more game time to shake off any rust.
An Athlete in Transition
Speaking about his shooting woes, Wembanyama stated, "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." It's a candid reflection on the mental aspect of the game, suggesting that for Wembanyama, the struggle isn't just physical but requires synchronization of mind and body.
Beyond the NBA, Wembanyama led the French national team to a silver medal at the Paris Olympics. However, his three-point shooting at the international event was at 28%, indicating a recurring difficulty with consistency across different levels of play. For a player aiming to establish himself in the NBA, bridging the gap between tantalizing talent and consistent performance is crucial.
League-Wide Trends and Inspirations
The landscape of the NBA is changing, with more teams embracing a perimeter-oriented style. Currently, nine NBA teams are consistently attempting over 40 three-point shots per game. The Boston Celtics exemplified this trend last season with an average of 42.5 attempts per game. For a young player like Wembanyama, adapting to this new norm is essential.
Elsewhere in the league, other players' impressive performances offer hope and inspiration. Anthony Edwards has elevated his game by upping his three-point attempts from 6.7 to over 13 per game this season, hitting a solid 41.5% of those shots. Karl-Anthony Towns, another towering figure on the court historically known for his shooting prowess, maintains a career 40% success rate from the three-point line. This season, Towns has been exceptionally efficient, scoring 66% of his three-point attempts on six attempts over three games, although his overall shot attempts have decreased from 15.3 to 9.3 per game.
These examples provide a path for Wembanyama, showcasing how great shooters can evolve and thrive in the high-paced, perimeter-oriented modern game. With the right adjustments in training and mind-set, Wembanyama could harness his latent potential and make his mark.
Looking Within and Collaborating
An insightful perspective comes from Jalen Brunson, emphasizing the importance of cohesion in team sports. 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 acknowledgment of teammate dynamics is especially pertinent for Wembanyama as he settles into the Spurs' system.
As the season progresses, Wembanyama's journey to reclaim his shooting touch will be one to watch. His innate talent, combined with a supportive team environment and individual resilience, could catalyze a turnaround. While the start has been rocky, the expectations are high, and the opportunities for redemption are limitless. For Wembanyama and his fans, patience might just be the key to unlocking a season of potential greatness.