As the San Antonio Spurs prepare to make their first playoff push since 2019, Victor Wembanyama's offense has continued to imporve but he is not yet maximizing his talents.
The San Antonio Spurs are 29-13, second in the Western Conference, and boast a 3-1 record over the frontrunner Oklahoma City Thunder. The Spurs have found success this season both with and without Victor Wembanyama, although if it weren't for him already nearing the games-missed limit for player awards, he would be a frontrunner for both Defensive Player of the Year and MVP.
Of course, his defense is head and shoulders better than his offense, although he is still averaging 24.5 points on a career-best efficiency.
This season, he has taken fewer 3-pointers than ever before, looking for smart shots above all else while becoming more of a force in the paint. It's a step in the right direction, and one former player thinks he's close to unlocking offensive dominance.
Wembanyama Sent Scoring Advice#
In years past, Wembanyama would settle for deep or contested 3s and not let his shooting find rhythm or momentum. This season, he's been better about settling and passing up a tough shot, although there is an argument to be made that he holds onto the ball for too long.
While Wembanyama has elite handles for his size, dribbling in traffic allows defenders to get under him and for his scoring chances to be tougher than they need to be. As a result, he has been urged to take "easier" shots.
"Wemby is learning in real time, adjusting in real time, and if he is starting to play the game without putting the ball on the floor, the chances of them getting to the Western Conference Finals are going to be heightened," said three-time All-Star Gilbert Arenas. "Defensively, seven-game series, him dominating, him controlling the game, that gives them a chance. If he starts scoring easy buckets without wasting energy, good luck."
This season, the Spurs have their sights set on the Western Conference Finals, where they would presumably meet the Thunder. OKC is the better team, despite the Spurs boasting a better head-to-head record, but if Wembanyama can improve his offense and play more than 30 effective minutes each night, it would be hard to write the Spurs off.
Of course, Wembanyama is yet to hit his prime, and the fact that he's as good as he is with room to improve can't be overstated.