As the NBA 2024-25 season takes center stage, all eyes are on Victor Wembanyama, who continues to generate buzz as a promising player for the San Antonio Spurs. Despite the anticipation surrounding his debut, the first three games of the season have shed light on some early challenges in his shooting performance.
Wembanyama's Early Season Struggles
Wembanyama's introduction to the season has been marked by inconsistent shooting. In his initial three outings, he managed to convert only six out of 24 jump shots. Even more telling was his performance beyond the arc, where he connected on just four of his 18 three-point attempts. These figures are slightly below his post-All-Star break statistics from the prior season when he achieved a 31% success rate on jump shots and 33% from three-point range.
Despite these figures, Wembanyama remains optimistic about his potential, acknowledging that conditioning is not to blame for his less-than-stellar performance. He highlights the importance of shooting in rhythm, suggesting, "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."
Building on International Momentum
Wembanyama's recent international exploits also add an intriguing dimension to his story. Leading the French national team, he clinched a silver medal at the Paris Olympics. However, during the tournament, his three-point shooting percentage lingered at 28%, echoing some of the struggles seen in his current NBA campaign.
A League Shooting Frenzy
In an era where NBA teams increasingly rely on three-point attempts, the need for Wembanyama to enhance this aspect of his game becomes evident. Currently, nine teams are averaging over 40 three-point attempts per game—a testament to the evolving nature of the league. The Boston Celtics, for instance, averaged 42.5 attempts per game last season.
Drawing attention this season is Anthony Edwards, who has significantly increased his three-point attempts from 6.7 to over 13 per game while maintaining an impressive 41.5% conversion rate. Meanwhile, Karl-Anthony Towns, renowned for his career 40% success rate from three, has been prolific in the current season, hitting 66% on six attempts across three games.
The Shifting Dynamic for Towns
Interestingly, Towns has seen a reduction in his overall shot attempts, dropping from 15.3 to 9.3 per game this season. This shift might raise questions about the distribution of offensive responsibilities within his team. Echoing the need for on-court cohesion, Jalen Brunson reflects on this dynamic, stating, "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]."
Wembanyama's Path Forward
As the season progresses, Wembanyama's journey will be closely watched. His initial statistics may not fully encapsulate his potential or the impact he can eventually make. With time to refine his rhythm and adjust his gameplay, there’s optimism that Wembanyama will find his stride and emerge as a formidable force for the Spurs.
In a league that increasingly prizes outside shooting ability, Wembanyama's evolution in this area could be key. As the Spurs and their enigmatic young talent embark on this season, fans and critics alike will be keen to see how Wembanyama navigates these early challenges and begins to tap into the promise that has surrounded him since his entry into professional basketball.