As the 2024-25 NBA season takes shape, one of the most closely watched talents is undoubtedly Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs. Known for his towering presence and intriguing potential, Wembanyama has stepped onto the NBA stage with great expectations. However, the opening games have illustrated both his promise and the areas in need of refinement.
In his first three outings, Wembanyama has found the NBA's learning curve to be rather steep. Shooting proficiency remains a focal point for the young prodigy. He has only made six of his 24 jump shots so far, indicating a need for adjustment and perhaps a closer collaboration with his shooting coaches. Particularly troubling is his performance from beyond the arc, missing 14 of 18 three-point attempts. These numbers suggest a player still calibrating his skills to the rigors of regular NBA play.
Last season, Wembanyama made steady progress, especially after the All-Star break, where he converted 31% of his jump shots and 33% of his three-point attempts. These figures offer hope that as he finds his rhythm and comfort on the court, improvements this season are not just possible, but likely.
Wembanyama's Olympic Journey
Adding to his growing list of achievements, Wembanyama recently showcased his talent on an international platform, leading the French national team to a silver medal at the Paris Olympics. Despite his team's success, Wembanyama's individual performance highlighted certain inconsistencies, as he recorded a 28% shooting percentage from the three-point line during the tournament.
Reflecting on his early struggles, Wembanyama himself stated, "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."
The League's Evolving Landscape
The NBA continues to evolve, with teams increasingly valuing the three-point shot as a critical weapon. This season, a remarkable nine teams are averaging over 40 three-point attempts per game. The Boston Celtics exemplified this trend last year, attempting an average of 42.5 three-point shots per game.
Players across the league are adapting to this strategic shift. Anthony Edwards, for example, has more than doubled his three-point attempts from the previous season. He now attempts over 13 per game and converts a remarkable 41.5% of these shots. Such changes emphasize the growing importance of long-range accuracy in the modern NBA.
Spotlight on Towns
Karl-Anthony Towns, known for his proficiency beyond the arc with a career 40% success rate, has also generated attention. Despite a reduction in his overall shot attempts from 15.3 to 9.3 per game this season, Towns has hit 66% of his three-point attempts in the initial trio of games, demonstrating his ability to make a significant impact with fewer opportunities.
Meanwhile, Jalen Brunson is determined to ensure team cohesion and shared opportunities on the court. "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]," Brunson remarked, emphasizing the importance of chemistry and communication in setting up players like Towns for success.
As the season progresses, the spotlight remains intense on Wembanyama and his ability to adapt and thrive at the highest level of basketball. His journey, both challenging and promising, reflects the broader narrative of a league continually evolving and pushing the boundaries of the sport. With dedication and focus, the groundwork laid in these opening games may very well transform potential into tangible performance, captivating fans and critics alike in the months ahead.