As the 2024-25 NBA season kicks off, all eyes are on Victor Wembanyama, the San Antonio Spurs' prodigious talent who promises to be one of the standout players of his generation. With towering expectations comes the pressure to perform, and while Wembanyama has showcased flashes of his immense potential, early-season jitters may have tempered his initial impact.
A Rocky Start for Wembanyama
In the first trio of games this season, Wembanyama's shooting has been inconsistent—a concern that wasn't fully silenced last season. The young star has connected on just six out of his 24 jump shot attempts, highlighting a seeming struggle to find rhythm on the court. More striking is his performance from beyond the arc, where he's made just four of his 18 three-point attempts, a sharp contrast to the league's increasing reliance on three-point shooting.
Last season, following the All-Star break, his jump shot success hovered at 31%, with his three-point success slightly better at 33%. These figures, while not stellar, were expected to climb as he adjusted more fully to the demands of the NBA. With those numbers in mind, his current struggles could indicate a slow start rather than a sign of enduring difficulty. Yet, even amid these challenges, the French luminary remains upbeat. "The conditioning is not an excuse. For the missed shots ... it's just taking shots in rhythm," Wembanyama reflected, suggesting confidence in his overall shooting abilities but recognizing the need for rhythm on the court.
Challenges and Opportunities
Wembanyama's preseason participation was limited, taking part in only two of the Spurs' five games, which may have impacted his readiness. Despite the shooting woes, Wembanyama's potential remains indisputable, further evidenced by his recent success with the French national team, where he led them to a silver medal at the Paris Olympics. His Olympic performance was, however, blemished slightly by a modest three-point shooting percentage of 28%.
As the dichotomy of NBA successes and struggles plays out, the league's emphasis on three-point shooting continues unabated. Nine teams are currently averaging over 40 three-point attempts per game, with the Boston Celtics leading the pack last season with 42.5 attempts per game. This marks a shift in strategy league-wide, where three-point proficiency is not just advantageous but essential. This shift is evident in the remarkable transformations of other players, as seen in the case of Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns.
Impressive Performances from Other Stars
Anthony Edwards has made a notable leap this season, increasing his three-point attempts from 6.7 to over 13 per game, and converting those tries at an impressive rate of 41.5%. Edwards' evolution underscores the dynamic nature of today's NBA, where players are expected to develop their outside game continually. Similarly, Karl-Anthony Towns, who boasts a career success rate of 40% from beyond the arc, has been exceptionally efficient this season, hitting 66% of his shots from deep over the first three games. This efficiency comes despite a reduction in his overall shot attempts, which have decreased from 15.3 to 9.3 per game.
Towns' adaptation reflects a nuanced understanding of his role and opportunities within his team, with teammate Jalen Brunson emphasizing the importance of team dynamics and individual adaptability. "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, signaling the collective responsibility in maximizing each player’s contributions.
The Road Ahead
As the season progresses, Victor Wembanyama, with the Spurs' strategic support, will aim to overcome early hurdles and sharpen his shooting precision. His journey is emblematic of a broader narrative—one of transition, perseverance, and growth within the NBA’s highly competitive landscape. The evolution of players like Edwards and Towns illustrates just how quickly a season can transform, championing the league's ongoing narrative of adaptation and excellence. For Wembanyama, the question remains not if, but when he will find his stride and once again capture the imaginations of fans and critics alike.