As the 2024-25 NBA season gets underway, the spotlight intensifies on Victor Wembanyama, one of the most anticipated talents playing for the San Antonio Spurs. Despite the high expectations, Wembanyama's early performances reveal a challenging start, casting light on the pressures of the league and the necessity for adaptation.
The towering presence of Wembanyama is undeniable; however, his shooting precision has been under scrutiny. In his first three games, Wembanyama converted only six of his 24 jump shots. This struggle extends beyond mere jump shots; from beyond the arc, he missed a staggering 14 out of 18 three-point attempts. This represents a stark contrast to his performance last season, where post-All-Star break he secured 31% of his jump shots and an improved 33% from three-point range.
This rough patch could be attributed partially to his limited preseason involvement. Wembanyama was active in only two of the five exhibition games leading up to the current season, potentially impacting his rhythm and conditioning as the regular season commenced. Yet, Wembanyama dismisses this notion as an excuse, emphasizing, "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."
Wembanyama’s international pedigree is also notable, having led the French national team to a silver medal at the Paris Olympics. While his shooting accuracy then was also questioned, with a 28% three-point shooting rate, his leadership and overall contribution were pivotal to the team’s success.
Shifting Strategies Across the League
The broader NBA landscape sees evolving strategies, particularly with teams amplifying their focus on three-point shots. Currently, nine teams are averaging over 40 three-point attempts per game, highlighting a league-wide trend towards high-volume perimeter shooting. This evolution is exemplified by the Boston Celtics, who led the previous season with 42.5 attempts from deep, setting a benchmark for others to follow.
Individual players are also adapting to this trend. Anthony Edwards, known for his scoring prowess, has notably increased his three-point attempts from 6.7 last season to over 13 per game this year, maintaining a remarkable conversion rate of 41.5%. Such figures underscore a shift not only in play style but also in personal development and execution.
Towns Finding His New Role
Karl-Anthony Towns, a stalwart for the Minnesota Timberwolves, continues to showcase his adaptive versatility. With a career three-point success rate of 40%, Towns has elevated his game this season, hitting 66% of his attempts from downtown across three games. Interestingly, this efficiency comes as his overall shot attempts have reduced significantly, from 15.3 to 9.3 per game. This transition hints at a strategic pivot, possibly influenced by teammates’ dynamics, with Jalen Brunson noting, "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]."
As the season progresses, the interplay of personal development, team strategies, and the relentless grind of professional basketball will continue to shape narratives. For Wembanyama, enduring early challenges could form the crucible for future triumphs, while across the league, players and teams alike will redefine their approaches to clinch success both on and off the court.