The 2024-25 NBA season has barely begun, and all eyes are already on Victor Wembanyama, the promising talent showcasing his skills with the San Antonio Spurs. Yet, the start has been somewhat tumultuous for the young sensation who many believed would set the league ablaze.
Early Season Struggles
In his inaugural games, Wembanyama has encountered challenges, notably with his shooting precision. Converting only six of his 24 jump shots in the first three games raises questions about his readiness and ability to adapt to the NBA's pace. His three-point shooting stands at an even more concerning level, having missed 14 out of 18 attempts. These figures reflect a deviation from his post-All-Star break performance last season, where he managed 31% on jumpers and 33% from beyond the arc.
Despite some struggles, Wembanyama remains unfazed, emphasizing the importance of rhythm in his game. "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 shared insightfully.
Preseason and International Stage
His preseason participation was limited, as he only played in two of the Spurs' five games. This absence may have impacted his transition, and the need to refine his skills within the team dynamic remains crucial, especially given the competitive nature of the current season. Despite these hurdles, Wembanyama has not let past achievements go unnoticed. Leading the French national team to a silver medal at the Paris Olympics is no small feat, although this too was marred by a modest 28% three-point shooting percentage.
NBA's Three-Point Surge
This backdrop contrasts with the league's current trend toward increased three-point shooting. Nine NBA teams are consistently launching over 40 three-point attempts each game this season, a testament to the league's evolving strategy. The Boston Celtics epitomized this transformation last season with an average of 42.5 three-point attempts per game. With such trends, players like Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns are embracing the shift with notable success. Edwards has seen his attempts rise from 6.7 to over 13 per game, boasting an impressive 41.5% conversion rate.
Towns, on the other hand, delivers a masterclass with his striking 66% success rate from the three-point line, albeit on a lower volume of attempts, having reduced from 15.3 overall shot attempts to just 9.3 per game this season. This efficiency highlights the different paths players might take in responding to an ever-changing NBA landscape.
Team Dynamics and Personal Growth
The individual journeys are just one facet of the broader tapestry of team dynamics at play. Jalen Brunson of the Spurs has voiced his support for fostering team cohesion, understanding the significance of chemistry and collective success. "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]," he acknowledges, reflecting an athlete's perspective that transcends personal ambition.
As Wembanyama's journey in the NBA unfolds, his ability to adapt, synchronize with team rhythms, and leverage past experiences will be pivotal. His story is one of ambition, with the potential for greatness carving itself slowly but surely amid the rigorous demands of the professional stage. Fans and analysts alike await with bated breath, eager to witness whether his narrative will evolve into the success storied careers are built upon.