The 2024-25 NBA season has begun to reveal the complex dynamics at play for Victor Wembanyama and his San Antonio Spurs. With the French phenom making a prominent entrance into the league, all eyes are on his transition—and the early shooting struggles are a key point of discussion.
Wembanyama's Shooting Woes
Wembanyama, despite being a towering presence on the court, is facing discernible challenges with his shooting accuracy. In the first three games, he's managed to make just six of his 24 jump shots, a statistic that punctuates the adjustments required in adapting to the NBA’s intensity. Moreover, his three-point shooting is also faltering, having missed 14 of his 18 attempts from beyond the arc. These early results may raise eyebrows; however, it's important to consider the variables impacting his performance.
The 7-foot-4 forward did indeed have limited participation in two of the Spurs' five preseason games, which has perhaps contributed to the lag in finding his rhythm on the court. Last season, post-All-Star break, Wembanyama displayed a slightly improved shooting component, sinking 31% of his jump shots and 33% of his three-point tries, indicating potential growth once he gains full traction this season.
Wembanyama’s remarks reflect a self-awareness and determination to smoothen these early-season hiccups. "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," he stated. His focus on rhythm over any other factor suggests that as he finds his stride, the accuracy may very well follow.
Paris Olympics: A Prelude to the NBA
Internationally, Wembanyama's talents were heralded as he led France to a silver medal at the Paris Olympics, where he logged a 28% shooting accuracy from the three-point line. This performance, though not stellar, serves as valuable international experience and underscores his capacity to compete at a high level despite the shooting setbacks.
NBA’s Three-Point Trend
The NBA continues to embrace the three-point shot with increasing regularity. Nine teams are currently recording over 40 attempts per game from beyond the arc, a testament to the league's shift towards high-volume perimeter shooting. A prime example is the Boston Celtics, who set a benchmark last season by averaging 42.5 long-range attempts per game.
Among players, Anthony Edwards has notably elevated his game, more than doubling his three-point attempts to over 13 per game while maintaining an impressive 41.5% conversion rate. This signals his refined focus on expanding offensive threats from beyond the arc.
Remarkable Performances from Towns and Edwards
Karl-Anthony Towns remains a model of consistency from downtown, possessing a career 40% success rate. Yet, this season his efforts have reached new heights, with Towns hitting an astonishing 66% of his three-point shots on six attempts across three games. Intriguingly, this efficiency comes amid a reduction in his overall shot volume from 15.3 to 9.3 attempts per game.
These statistics highlight a potential strategic shift towards prioritizing higher-quality shot attempts over volume for Towns, enhancing his impact per minute on the court. The change in shot selection is contextualized by teammate Jalen Brunson's emphasis on team cohesion: "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]."
The Road Ahead
For Victor Wembanyama, the season is still young, and with time, he might align his rhythm with the demands of the NBA’s fast-paced environment. Meanwhile, the shooting trends across the league highlight an evolving game that places a premium on precision and efficiency from the perimeter. As players adapt, teams will continue to strategize around maximizing talent and executing the demanding nuances of three-point play.
As Wembanyama and others navigate these currents, fans and analysts alike will be keenly observing their growth and tangible impact in the evolving narrative of the NBA season.