The 4-5 San Antonio Spurs are currently without head coach Gregg Popovich due to an undisclosed illness. On the court, the Spurs phenom center Victor Wembanyama is struggling to find his offensive rhythm in the early going of the season, and at least on that end of the floor, he looks quite different from last year. Speaking with ESPN sources, anonymous NBA scouts provided insight into Wemby’s struggles.
Spurs Phenom Center Snakebit Offensively, Per NBA Scout
San Antonio Spurs Phenom Center Victor Wembanyama ‘Playing Without Direction’ Early in the Season
Wembanyama’s induction into the NBA was one of the more hyped-up athlete debuts in NBA history, apart from LeBron James. The Spurs were lightyears away from contention in his rookie season. However, Wembanyama certainly showed his phenomenal skill set and gave a glimpse into his future in the league.
Turn the page to this season, year two for Wemby. The Spurs sit one game below .500. They’re dealing with injuries from key players (Jeremy Sochan, Devin Vassell), and their Hall of Fame head coach is out of commission. As for Wembanyama, he’s had a challenging first three weeks, specifically on the offensive end of the floor. Wembanyama’s three-point shot is bleeding—22.6% compared to last season’s 32.5%–and his field goal percentage has also dropped from last season. His offensive inconsistencies have been evident since the start of the year. A couple of NBA Scouts have taken notice and recently spoke with Tim Bontemps and Brian Windhorst of ESPN about those offensive woes.
“He’s absolutely awesome on defense, and not impactful at all on offense. He just looks like he’s playing without a whole lot of direction.”
That comment came from one scout, while a second one had this to say.
“There’s a reason he’s shooting so many [three’s], but it still feels like he’s giving the opposition a break every time he does it right now.”
The mention of the three-point shot references Wemby’s insane number of shot attempts from long distance—62— and having made only 14 (22.6%). It’s almost impossible to imagine a center shooting that many threes. On the other hand, Wembanyama is no regular big man now, is he?
Wemby’s Struggles Are Part of Growing Pains
There’s no denying Wembanyama’s talent, skill, or potential. Realistically, he could very well end up as this season’s Defensive Player of the Year. Despite his offensive woes, they do not mirror his play on the defensive end. The Spurs coaching staff are clearly okay with Wemby taking so many threes. Spurs fans may wince every time he puts a shot up and sigh when it clangs off the rim. But it would be wise to remember that the franchise is in the market of helping Wemby in his development while creating good habits for when winning becomes a more serious and realistic point of focus for the franchise. But that isn’t now.
Even in his shooting slump, Wemby is still averaging 17.1 points, which are not panic numbers in any way. He’s also leading the league in blocks (3.7) and adding 9.6 rebounds per game. His shot will come; he’s so incredibly gifted that it has to come. As for the Spurs, they are a game better than they were nine games into the season last year when they started 3-6. Heading into their matchup against the Utah Jazz on Saturday, they’re 4-5. However, something tells me they won’t go on the same 18-game losing streak as they did at this point last year.
