Victor Wembanyama: Breaking the Mold in the NBA
On his first day of training camp as a rookie in 2023, Victor Wembanyama sat down with the San Antonio Spurs staff to discuss how he could best contribute to the team. It was a mere 90 days after the French phenom was selected No. 1 in the 2023 NBA Draft. Conventional wisdom suggested that the 7-foot-3 Wembanyama should focus on dominating the paint, taking shots near the basket, screening, rebounding, and defending. But Wembanyama had other ideas.
“The best way for me to help is to not put me in a box,” Wembanyama told the Spurs. “[Spurs coach Gregg Popovich] knows it. He learned to know me and I’m learning to know him. We know we are going to make something original, something special.”
And indeed, something special was in the making. Wembanyama led all rookies in points (21.4), rebounds (10.6), and blocks per game (3.6), ranking fourth in assists (3.9) and second in steals per game (1.2). He became the first player to average at least 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 blocks in fewer than 30 minutes per game. His rookie campaign was historic, as he became the first player in a season to rack up at least 1,500 points, 700 rebounds, 250 assists, 250 blocks, and 100 3-pointers, earning him the unanimous rookie of the year title.
Wembanyama’s performance was nothing short of extraordinary. He averaged the most points per possession by any rookie since Michael Jordan (min. 1,000 minutes) and posted two triple-doubles, one with assists and another with blocks. His 5×5 game against the Los Angeles Lakers included 27 points, 10 rebounds, 8 assists, 5 blocks, and 5 steals, making him the youngest player in NBA history to achieve such a feat.
Learning and Adapting
This season, Wembanyama continues to showcase his versatility. In a game against the Sacramento Kings, he logged his first triple-double of the season with 34 points, 15 of which came from 3-pointers. However, when the Spurs trailed 97-92 entering the final frame, Wembanyama shifted his strategy. He moved inside, scoring 13 points on 4-of-5 shooting with 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 blocks, none of which came from beyond the arc.
After the game, Wembanyama reiterated his desire not to be confined to a single style of play. “Don’t,” he said. “I won’t fit.”
Spurs acting head coach Mitch Johnson acknowledged Wembanyama’s diverse skill set, noting that it can sometimes lead to decision-making challenges. “He can do everything,” Johnson said. “So, when you have that many options on the menu, to think you’re going to pick the right one every time is tough. He’s a young player that’s learning how to use all the weapons that he has.”
Statistics and Strategy
- Wembanyama ranks 13th in percentage of jump shots taken (63.4%) among players with 350 shots or more this season.
- His average shot distance is 17.7 feet, similar to Donovan Mitchell and Luka Doncic.
Internally, the Spurs are amused by the discussions surrounding Wembanyama’s shot selection. One team source believes Wembanyama is closer to Kevin Durant than Hakeem Olajuwon, explaining why nearly half his shot attempts come from beyond the arc.
Johnson emphasized the importance of respecting Wembanyama’s vision for his game. “For someone that is as in tune with who he wants to be and who he has the potential to be as Victor, it’s our job to respect that and kind of partner with him in growing who that is,” Johnson said.
Unpredictability and Growth
Wembanyama’s unpredictability on the court is a challenge for opponents. “You can tell he knows his players very well,” Portland coach Chauncey Billups said. “He can just kind of drive it and throw it knowing that a guy’s going to be cutting.”
Wembanyama is still getting comfortable with playmaking, especially when facing double teams. “Facing a good amount of double teams, it is my responsibility to give the opportunity to my teammates to capitalize,” he said.
Veteran teammate Harrison Barnes praised Wembanyama’s approach. “So many people, they have so many criticisms they want to talk about. ‘He should be this. He should be that. He should play this way,'” Barnes said. “My thing is look, he’s going to play his style and he’s going to do it his way.”
Looking Ahead
In the wake of his triple-double against the Kings, Wembanyama reflected on the changes he’s made in his game. He credits the Spurs’ video team with helping him slow down the game and recognize defensive patterns.
Heading into a matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers, Wembanyama is coming off two historic performances. His 42-point performance against the Atlanta Hawks and his 30-point, 10-block showing against the Blazers have set the stage for more remarkable achievements.
Wembanyama’s journey is one of breaking free from conventional expectations and embracing his unique style. “That everyday fight you talk about is something I’ve been through, of course, growing up a lot,” Wembanyama said. “But now, I’m experiencing levels of freedom that I’ve never really had the chance before to have.”
Originally Written by: Michael C. Wright
