As the 2024-25 NBA season begins to take shape, all eyes are on Victor Wembanyama, the San Antonio Spurs' promising new star. With lofty expectations placed upon him, his early performances have been a mixed bag of potential and growing pains. Still, the young Frenchman remains determined to find his rhythm in the highly competitive environment of the NBA.
Wembanyama's Shooting Struggles
Wembanyama's entry into the league has not been without its challenges, particularly regarding his shooting efficiency. In the first three games of this season, he has converted only six out of 24 jump shots and has struggled from beyond the arc, missing 14 of his 18 three-point attempts. This early inconsistency is not entirely unexpected, given his limited participation in two of the Spurs' five preseason games. Despite these difficulties, Wembanyama remains optimistic about his shooting prowess, stating, "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."
A Glimpse of Potential
While his NBA introduction has been difficult, Wembanyama’s previous performances do offer glimpses of his potential. After the All-Star break last season, he managed to make 31% of his jump shots and showed improvement from the three-point line with a 33% success rate. Additionally, his performance with the French national team was noteworthy, leading them to a silver medal at the Paris Olympics, although he demonstrated similar shooting challenges there, converting just 28% of his three-point attempts.
League Trends in Three-Point Shooting
Across the league, there is a marked trend toward an increased volume of three-point attempts, with nine NBA teams currently shooting over 40 attempts per game. Last season, the Boston Celtics led this trend, averaging 42.5 three-point shots per game. Mimicking the league's evolution, Minnesota Timberwolves' Anthony Edwards has significantly increased his three-point attempts this season from 6.7 to over 13 per game while maintaining an impressive 41.5% shooting rate.
Contrast in Consistency: Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns
Unlike Wembanyama, Anthony Edwards of the Timberwolves has adjusted seamlessly to the heavier workload, translating his increased attempts into a superb 41.5% conversion rate from beyond the arc. Meanwhile, his teammate, Karl-Anthony Towns, continues to demonstrate why he is considered one of the most reliable shooters from distance. Towns boasts a career 40% success rate from three-point range. This season, despite a reduced overall shot attempt from 15.3 to 9.3 per game, he has made an impressive 66% of his three-point attempts in the first three games.
Team Dynamics and Development
The success of players like Edwards and Towns highlights the importance of finding and maintaining a rhythm within the team dynamic. New York Knicks’ Jalen Brunson underscored this sentiment, emphasizing the need for cohesive team play. "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]," said Brunson.
Wembanyama’s trajectory as an NBA player will undoubtedly be influenced by his ability to adapt and his willingness to learn from seasoned pros like Edwards and Towns. As the chapters of the 2024-25 NBA season unfold, the focus will remain on whether Wembanyama can iron out the creases and rise to the occasion as the Spurs and their fans believe he can.
In a league where three-point proficiency is increasingly pivotal, Wembanyama's journey offers a fascinating narrative of potential, perseverance, and the challenge of bridging the gap between expectation and performance. His narrative continues to capture attention, promising a tale of growth and determination in the ever-evolving landscape of professional basketball.