As the 2024-25 NBA season gets underway, all eyes are on Victor Wembanyama, the San Antonio Spurs' promising young star. Despite a challenging start, where he converted only six of his 24 jump shots and missed 14 out of 18 three-point attempts in the first three games, Wembanyama remains a focal point for the team's future. Last season, Wembanyama showed flashes of his potential, making 31% of his jump shots and 33% of his three-point attempts after the All-Star break. It’s clear that while his shot is not yet the lethal weapon that Spurs fans hope it will become, the young forward is still adjusting to the rhythm of the NBA game.
A Player Finding His Rhythm
Wembanyama's early shooting struggles have not been placed solely at the door of conditioning. “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. The statement reflects a young player aware of the nuances of transitioning into the NBA, emphasizing the psychological and tactical elements of shooting beyond just physical conditioning.
Despite these challenges, Wembanyama's impact transcends mere stats. Over the summer, he showcased his leadership and skill by spearheading the French national team to a silver medal at the Paris Olympics, although his three-point shooting percentage registered at 28% during the tournament. The Spurs will be keenly watching his progress, particularly because of his limited participation in two of the team's five preseason games this year, which could impact his acclimatization to the rigors of the NBA schedule.
NBA's Evolving Three-Point Landscape
The NBA's offensive strategies are evolving, and the focus on perimeter shooting is an undeniable trend. This season, nine NBA teams are consistently shooting over 40 three-point attempts per game. The Boston Celtics, for instance, have entrenched themselves as pioneers of this approach, having averaged 42.5 three-point attempts per game last season.
In this context, players like Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns represent the heightened emphasis on long-range shooting. Edwards has aggressively upped his game from 6.7 to over 13 three-point attempts per game, hitting an impressive 41.5% of them. His partner in Minnesota, Towns, continues to live up to his reputation as one of the league's elite big men shooters, boasting a career 40% success rate from the three-point line. This season, Towns has been remarkably efficient, sinking 66% of his three-point attempts on six attempts across three games, even as his overall shot attempts have decreased from 15.3 to 9.3 per game.
Team Dynamics and Player Roles
The Spurs, much like other teams, are navigating the complexities of integrating young talent with seasoned strategies. A key challenge in this transition is ensuring that talents like Wembanyama and his teammates are fully utilized on the court—a point not lost on players charged with orchestrating plays. As Jalen Brunson noted, "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]." Though directed at Towns, his sentiment echoes the broader necessity for teammates to connect and optimize each other's strengths.
As the season progresses, the spotlight will remain on whether Victor Wembanyama can find his groove in rhythm with his teammates while contributing to the Spurs' aspirations. His journey, underscored by a drive to improve and the understanding of what it takes to succeed at the highest levels, promises an engaging storyline for Spurs fans and NBA followers alike.