As the 2024-25 NBA season gathers momentum, much of the basketball world's attention is focused on Victor Wembanyama, the towering San Antonio Spurs big man. Despite the anticipation surrounding his performance, Wembanyama’s start has been marked by struggles from beyond the arc and the field in general. This early performance sets the stage for a potentially interesting narrative as the season unfolds.
Wembanyama finds himself under the microscope after converting only six of his 24 jump shots across the Spurs' opening three games. His struggles are even more pronounced from the three-point line, with just four successes out of 18 attempts. These numbers reflect an area that could be crucial for both his personal growth and the Spurs' aspirations this season. Despite a similar slump last season, where he shot 31% on jump shots and 33% from three-point range after the All-Star break, there remains optimism around his capabilities.
The young star possesses an unwavering confidence in his potential, emphasizing rhythm as a key contributor to his success on the court. "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," remarked Wembanyama. His self-awareness and understanding of his gameplay seem to be as promising as his towering presence on the court.
Wembanyama's preparation for this season included a stint with the French national team, where he led them to a silver medal in the Paris Olympics. However, his shooting percentages echoed his current NBA struggles, registering a 28% success rate from three-point territory during the international tournament. This experience might suggest that consistent performance in international play could eventually translate into improved outcomes on the NBA stage.
While Wembanyama seeks consistency, the league continues to evolve with an increased emphasis on three-point shooting. The current season has seen nine NBA teams averaging over 40 attempts per game, illustrating basketball's ongoing transformation. Last season, the Boston Celtics led this charge, averaging 42.5 attempts per game, setting a precedent for the league's direction.
Among those adapting to the modern game is Anthony Edwards, whose career trajectory is climbing in tandem with his three-point volume. This season, Edwards has more than doubled his attempts from 6.7 to over 13 per game, while maintaining an impressive 41.5% conversion rate. His evolution underscores the pivotal role of adapting one’s game to fit contemporary demands.
Karl-Anthony Towns exemplifies efficiency with his perennial prowess from beyond the arc. Towns has started this season spectacularly, hitting 66% of his three-point attempts in just six tries over three games. Interestingly, his overall shot attempts have decreased from 15.3 per game to 9.3 this season, suggesting an adjustment in his shooting strategy may be yielding dividends without sacrificing efficiency.
For teams like the Spurs, finding rhythm and spacing on the floor is often a collaborative effort, with individual performance deeply tied to team dynamics. As Jalen Brunson noted, "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]." This sentiment highlights that while individual players like Wembanyama are accountable for their performances, their success is inevitably intertwined with that of their teammates.
As the season progresses, there will be ample opportunities for players to adjust and find their footing. For Wembanyama, the immediate task is to find his rhythm and contribute effectively to the Spurs' campaign. His journey will be closely watched as he aims not only to overcome his shooting woes but to fulfill the immense potential that has already earned him a spotlight in the NBA.