As the NBA's 2024-25 season unfolds, all eyes are on Victor Wembanyama, the towering French prodigy now suiting up for the San Antonio Spurs. Fans and analysts alike are scrutinizing his performance, hoping to see flashes of brilliance that could signal the beginning of a new era for the storied franchise. However, the first three games of the season have highlighted some growing pains for this young player, especially in his shooting game.
Wembanyama's Shooting Struggles
Wembanyama's initial foray into the NBA has been marked by challenges on the offensive end, particularly with his jump shots. In the first three games, he has managed to convert just six of his 24 attempts from this distance. His long-range shooting has mirrored these difficulties, sinking only four of 18 three-point attempts. These figures highlight a key area for improvement as he adjusts to the speed and intensity of the NBA.
Reflecting on these struggles, Wembanyama himself noted, "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 signals his understanding of the adjustments needed to translate his international success to the NBA hardwood.
International Success and Setbacks
Wembanyama's journey to NBA stardom has been bolstered by impressive international performances, including leading the French national team to a silver medal at the Paris Olympics. Yet, his three-point shooting was a point of concern, with a conversion rate of just 28% during the games. This inconsistency might have carried over from last season, where post-All-Star game statistics saw him make 31% of his jump shots and 33% of his three-point attempts.
Despite these challenges, the potential for growth is evident. His transition from limited preseason participation—appearing in just two of the Spurs' five preseason games—probably contributed to a lack of rhythm. As he gains more minutes and finds his footing on the court, there is cautious optimism about his capability to adapt and excel.
The NBA's Three-Point Evolution
Wembanyama isn't the only player grappling with the significance of three-point shooting in today's NBA. The league has evolved into a perimeter-focused spectacle, with nine teams becoming consistently reliant on over 40 three-point attempts per game this season. Last season, the Boston Celtics epitomized this trend by averaging 42.5 attempts from beyond the arc per contest.
Emerging Stars and Established Masters
Across the league, other young stars are adapting remarkably well to this new normal. Anthony Edwards, for instance, has significantly increased his three-point attempts from 6.7 to over 13 per game this season, converting a notable 41.5% of them. His success illustrates the growing importance of the three-pointer as a critical tool in a player's arsenal.
Karl-Anthony Towns, a seasoned shooter, continues to demonstrate his prowess, boasting a career 40% success rate from the three-point line. This season, he has astonishingly hit 66% of his three-point shots, albeit on a reduced shot volume, with just six attempts over three games. The Timberwolves star’s overall shot attempts have fallen from 15.3 to 9.3 per game, leading some to speculate whether he's refining his focus on quality over quantity.
The Journey Ahead for Wembanyama and the Spurs
For Wembanyama, the journey is just beginning. His early struggles underscore the adjustments necessary at this level of competition, but they also highlight areas ripe for development. The Spurs are banking on his potential, hoping that with time, this young talent can adapt his international prowess to fit the NBA's unforgiving standards.
As teammates like Jalen Brunson emphasize the importance of synergy, saying, "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]," the Spurs will need a collective effort to maximize Wembanyama’s strengths and help him find his rhythm.
In a league where shooting proficiency increasingly defines the successful, Wembanyama's ability to adapt and elevate his game will be both a testament to his personal growth and a linchpin in the Spurs' aspirations for a new era of competitive achievement.