It was announced that Victor Wembanyama will not play in the season finale on Sunday for the San Antonio Spurs. Though the team will finish with a disappointing record, his play was far from it. Let’s look back at a great 2023-2024 season that will end with him winning Rookie of the Year.
A Breath of Fresh Air in San Antonio
Wembanyama’s arrival generated a buzz around the Spurs organization. Fans packed the arena to witness the generational talent, and his presence injected optimism into a team yearning for success. His combination of size (7’5″), shooting ability, and mobility made him a matchup nightmare for opposing teams. You had to account for his ability to space the floor, and also worry about him blocking your shots.
Flashes of Brilliance
Wembanyama displayed a polished offensive repertoire that belied his age. He showcased a smooth shooting stroke, impressive ball handling for his size, and the ability to finish plays around the rim with authority.
In 71 games played, he averaged 21.4 points per game and 10.6 rebounds per game. Add in his average of 3.9 assists, and Wembanyama can do it all for a big man. Considering he was able to do all of this while averaging less than 30 minutes a game is impressive.
Wembanyama’s defensive potential was also undeniable. His length and mobility allowed him to disrupt passing lanes, alter shots, and protect the rim with his elite shot-blocking ability. It’s why he led the league in blocks (3.6) and among the best in steals per game.
Room for Growth
Despite the success this year, there is still a lot to work on for the number one overall pick of 2023.
Popovich said what Wembanyama has been concentrating on the most is making his game tighter by understanding how defenses focus on him. Wembanyama averages 3.5 turnovers, which Popovich mentioned needs improvement. The Spurs coaching staff is also working with Wembanyama on how to adjust to playing in a crowd when he brings the ball up on the break, dealing with double-teams and being cautious with thirsty defenders when engaging in his naturally high dribble.
Andscape’s Marc Spears on Victor Wembanyama’s first year
With film on him now, Wembanyama’s sophomore season may be a struggle with teams learning to adjust on how to guard and prevent him from being impactful. But, it’s for certain he’ll continue to work on his game on both ends of the floor while also being able to average more than 30 minutes a game next year.
A Bright Future in the Alamo City
Despite the struggles of the 2023 season, Wembanyama provided a beacon of hope for the Spurs’ future. His potential to be a franchise cornerstone is undeniable, and the young core surrounding him has room to grow alongside him. With Keldon Johnson, Jeremy Sochan, and others along for the ride, it could be a bright next few years for the Spurs. Plus, they will have a good amount of cap space this offseason to add a star free agent (possibly?).
In the end, the San Antonio Spurs have a potential franchise cornerstone in Victor Wembanyama. He has the potential to become a truly dominant force in the league. What a rookie year for the French superstar.
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Featured Image: CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP via Getty Images
