Expectations for San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama are sky high as he heads into his second season. He managed to surpass expectations during his strong rookie season, averaging 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 3.6 blocks per game.
However, most top prospects tend to improve by leaps and bounds during their second season, and with the addition of Chris Paul, Wembanyama should have a much easier time scoring. However, he won't have to rely on Paul to get him easy shots.
An interesting stat emerged regarding his shooting potential. Last season, he was not only one of the best big men shooting off the dribble from outside but he was also an elite stepback 3-point shooter.
Victor Wembanyama's shooting potential opens up possibilities for the San Antonio Spurs.
Having a center who can knock down threes off the dribble is one thing, but having a center who can create 3-point looks in a one-on-one situation is another thing entirely. In one such situation, he was guarded by Kyle Anderson, who is known as a good defender and has both the size and length to defend Wembanyama away from the rim.
Wemby 6th most efficient stepback jumpshooter in the NBA as a 7'5 19yo rookie center is.....concerning
— NBA University (@NBA_University) October 4, 2024
What's this going to look like in his prime? https://t.co/z1qCEzhehz pic.twitter.com/CAPfHse1O4
Surprisingly, Wemby crossed him up and hit a stepback three as if he were prime James Harden. While that may not be as big of a part of his game as it was for Harden, it is a useful skill to have. Especially when facing big men who aren't comfortable defending out on the perimeter.
Wembanyama's shooting ability makes it even tougher to stop him.
Having a 7'4 center taking threes off the dribble may seem like a bad shot, but coupled with postups, pick and roll, and spot-ups, it is a nice scoring option. There were possessions last season where he got the ball in transition and caught his man off guard by knocking down a pullup three.
There is also the possibility that coach Gregg Poppovich leverages his shooting ability more next season by having him run off pindown screens to free him up for midrange and longrange jumpers. Additionally, his ability to isolate opposing big men away from the basket and execute stepbacks makes it difficult to effectively double-team him.
Of course, making the most of his size is equally as important, but he should have no problem finishing in the paint. Especially after bulking up over the summer, which combined with his shooting ability should result in a big 2024-25 season for Wembanyama.