A surprising Wembanyama update will only bolster the Spurs' playoff chances

It wouldn't be an NBA media day without news of a player gaining muscle or losing significant weight, but the former seems to be true for San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama. The knock against Wembanyama entering the NBA was that he was too thin and that he would struggle against more burly players.

That didn't turn out to be the case. While he didn't initially start at center, once he did, he was among the best centers in the league. In 52 games at the five last season, Wembanyama posted 22.4 points, 11.0 rebounds, 3.9 blocks, and 4.4 assists. Now, he has added 25 pounds since last season, which should terrify the rest of the NBA.

How a bigger and stronger Victor Wembanyama will help the San Antonio Spurs.

A bigger Wembanyama would be even harder to stop, particularly in the post. Early on last season, he struggled to establish position in the post, resulting in some ugly turnaround jumpers. He would even occasionally be forced to pass out of the paint and then run out to the perimeter to get the ball back before settling for a contested three.

However, with 25 pounds of mass tacked onto his frame, he should be much harder to push around in the post, which should lead to him getting deeper positioning near the rim. Having a 7'4 center within 5-7 feet of the rim would put significant pressure on the opposing team to send a double team his way.

A stronger Wembanyama is a game changer for the Spurs and their playoff chances.

That would free up a shooter on the perimeter and the Spurs should have enough spacing with Chris Paul, Devin Vassell (once healthy), and Harrison Barnes in the starting five, with Jeremy Sochan able to knock down the occasional three.

Even if they send a double his way, Wemby can still shoot over his man and is even a good passer who has the benefit of being able to see over the help defense. His added weight should also help him on the defensive end, with him being able to better hold his position when boxing out, allowing him to crash the glass.

Bulking up should make Wembanyama less vulnerable to being bullied in the post, against strong post players such as Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokic. His being able to hold his own there will make it tougher for them to shoot over his length and that might come in handy if the Spurs are a low seed in the playoffs and play the Denver Nuggets in the first round.

Overall, Wembanyama adding more bulk to his frame should help him on both ends of the floor next season. With the Spurs needing a big season from their rising superstar, he appears ready to deliver.