As the 2024-25 NBA season kicks off, all eyes are on San Antonio Spurs' promising talent, Victor Wembanyama. With expectations set high following his impressive performance at the Paris Olympics, where he led the French national team to a silver medal, the early games of the season have posed unexpected challenges for the young athlete. While his current struggles on the court have elicited concern among fans and analysts alike, they also highlight the learnings and adjustments necessary as he settles into the rhythm of the NBA.
Wembanyama's Shooting Woes
Wembanyama's early performance has been marred by shooting difficulties. In the first three games of the season, he managed to convert only six of his 24 jump shots, a sharp contrast to the 31% success rate he achieved with jump shots after last season's All-Star break. His struggles extended to the three-point line, where he missed 14 of his 18 attempts. This drop from his post-All-Star break performance—where he achieved a more respectable 33% success rate—has drawn attention to his need for adjustment.
Reflecting on his performance, Wembanyama observed, "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."
Impact of Olympian Fatigue
Wembanyama's challenges might be traced back to his extensive offseason, highlighted by crucial participation in the Olympics. His three-point shooting during the Paris Games stood at 28%, suggesting a potential overexertion affecting his current form. Additionally, limited participation in two of the Spurs' five preseason games may have hindered his transition back to NBA pace and physicality.
Three-Point Revolution Continues
While Wembanyama finds his footing, the broader league landscape underscores an evolving emphasis on the three-point game. This season, nine teams are consistently attempting over 40 three-pointers per game, building on last season's trends where the Boston Celtics led with an average of 42.5 attempts. Such a setup signifies a league increasingly reliant on long-range shooting as a fundamental strategy.
Shining Stars
Amidst these trends, notable players have emerged, demonstrating exceptional skill from beyond the arc. Anthony Edwards has notably increased his three-point attempts from 6.7 to over 13 per game this season, converting at an impressive 41.5% rate. His shooting prowess reflects an evolution in his game, making him a formidable offensive weapon.
Karl-Anthony Towns, known for his consistency, continues to impress this season. With a career average of 40% from the three-point line, Towns has so far achieved a remarkable 66% success rate on three-point attempts in the first three games. However, his overall shot attempts have reduced significantly from 15.3 to 9.3 per game, indicating a strategic shift or adaptation he needs to navigate through.
Leadership and Team Dynamics
As teams adapt to this evolving focus on long-range scoring, leadership on the court becomes crucial. Jalen Brunson recently acknowledged his role in ensuring team cohesion, stating, "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]." His words echo the essential balance teams must strike between individual performance and collective success.
The early season serves as a reminder of the NBA's dynamic nature, where even the most promising talents like Wembanyama undergo phases of adaptation and adjustment. As the season progresses, fans watch closely, eager to see if the young star can find his rhythm and rise to the expectations set by his extraordinary potential. While shooting slumps can be disheartening, they also present opportunities for growth and comeback narratives that make the sport so compelling. For now, patience and perseverance remain the watchwords for Wembanyama and the Spurs. As history has shown, early hurdles can often lead to the greatest triumphs in the pursuit of NBA glory.