Victor Wembanyama's Early Season Challenges
The San Antonio Spurs entered the 2024-25 NBA season with high expectations surrounding Victor Wembanyama, a young player whose performance has captivated fans and analysts alike. As the season progresses, however, Wembanyama faces early hurdles, testing his resilience and adaptability on the court.
Wembanyama's start to the new season has been less than stellar, particularly with his shooting. In the campaign's first three games, he made only six of his 24 jump shots, raising questions about his shooting rhythm. The French star has also struggled from beyond the arc, missing 14 out of 18 three-point attempts. These numbers are a far cry from his post-All-Star break performance last season, where he managed a modest 31% success rate on jump shots and 33% on three-pointers.
Reflecting on his early struggles, Wembanyama offered some insight: "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."
Team Dynamics and Professional Development
Wembanyama's challenges on the court might also stem from limited preseason participation. Of the Spurs' five preseason games, he was only actively involved in two. This limited exposure could explain his current rhythm issues, a factor both he and the team's coaching staff are undoubtedly addressing as the season progresses.
Additionally, as more teams across the league increase their three-point shooting attempts—nine teams now consistently shoot over 40 three-point attempts per game—Wembanyama and the Spurs will need to adjust their strategy. Last season, the Boston Celtics set the standard, averaging 42.5 three-point attempts per game, showing the importance of adapting to the evolving dynamics of NBA gameplay.
Leading the French National Team
Despite these challenges, Wembanyama's talent and potential remain undeniable. Over the summer, he demonstrated his capabilities on the international stage, leading the French national team to a silver medal at the Paris Olympics. Though he managed only a 28% three-point shooting percentage during the Olympics, the experience added another layer to his growing resume.
Contrasting Performances: Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards
Around the league, other players have had their own stories of adaptation and growth. Anthony Edwards, for example, has seen a significant increase in his three-point attempts from 6.7 to over 13 per game this season, converting at a remarkable 41.5% rate. This sharp rise indicates an adjustment in both his style and role within his team.
Karl-Anthony Towns, known for his consistent shooting, has also matched expectations with an impressive 66% success rate on three-point attempts in the first three games. However, his overall shot attempts have seen a downturn, moving from 15.3 to 9.3 per game, signaling potential shifts in his role or team strategy.
Team dynamics also play a part in individual success, a fact noted by Jalen Brunson, who commented, "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]."
Looking Forward
For Wembanyama, the season remains a blank slate with ample opportunity for growth and improvement. Working with the Spurs' coaching staff and maintaining focus on his shooting rhythm could work wonders for the young star. His ability to adapt to new challenges will be crucial, as both he and the team look forward to turning early struggles into stepping stones for success.
As the narrative unfolds, Wembanyama's journey will undoubtedly become a focal point for fans and analysts eager to witness the evolution of one of basketball's most promising talents.