Victor Wembanyama’s unique development path on the Spurs — including an emphasis on perimeter skills over traditional post-play — could set him up for future MVP contention. While he’s still refining his game, the San Antonio Spurs’ approach will allow him to reach the level of dominant scorers like Luka Dončić, Jayson Tatum, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in the near future.
Spurs’ Decision for Wembanyama Will Propel Him to MVP Level
Developing Perimeter Skills Builds an All-Around Threat
At 7-foot-4, Wembanyama possesses an exceptional combination of size and agility that makes him a threat from anywhere on the court. Allowing him to develop his outside shooting and perimeter play gives him flexibility that few players his size have. The Spurs have wisely given Wembanyama the green light to experiment with his shot and grow his skill set, even if it sometimes leads to mistakes or missed shots. He’s attempting 7.5 threes per game this season, up from 5.5 last season. This freedom is valuable for a player aiming to contend for MVP awards. In recent years, MVP winners have averaged between 26 and 33 points per game. Wembanyama’s current scoring is solid, but if he wants to reach this MVP-caliber level, expanding his scoring versatility is key.
Room for Growth in Scoring
Currently averaging 19.7 points per game, Wembanyama is impressive for a 20-year-old sophomore, but he must elevate this figure to stand among the league’s top scorers. The Spurs’ decision to let him shoot from beyond the arc, and attempt more challenging moves on the perimeter, is directly related to his scoring growth. The more confidence he builds in his shooting, the greater his scoring potential becomes, especially if he can blend perimeter skills with his ability to dominate the interior.
With more time, Wembanyama could easily see his scoring average climb into the high 20s or low 30s, where recent MVP winners like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nikola Jokic, Joel Embiid, and James Harden have excelled. The MVP conversation will likely include these players and others like Shai and Anthony Edwards, making Wembanyama’s scoring development essential for contention.
Perimeter Skills Add Longevity to His Impact
Developing his perimeter game not only helps him in the short term but may also protect him from the physical toll of consistently playing in the post. Against bulkier defenders, Wembanyama’s slender frame would struggle to secure strong positioning, leading to turnovers and missed opportunities. By emphasizing movement and positioning on the perimeter, he has a better chance of exploiting mismatches without overtaxing his body.
Additionally, this approach opens up the court for him and his teammates. With Wembanyama drawing defenders outside, the Spurs can create better spacing and rhythm offensively. This not only suits Wembanyama’s unique abilities, but it aligns with modern NBA strategies, where spacing and shooting are increasingly emphasized.
Opportunity to Refine Decision-Making
Wembanyama’s decision-making on the perimeter remains a work in progress (3.9 turnovers per game). Still, his current freedom to experiment aids his growth. Every long-range attempt and risky dribble contributes to a better understanding of what works and what doesn’t, ultimately shaping him into a smarter, more efficient player.
Though occasional turnovers and forced shots can be frustrating, they serve as valuable learning experiences. Over time, as his decision-making improves, Wembanyama will likely reduce these mistakes, increasing his scoring efficiency and impact on the game. By refining these areas, he’ll become not only a scoring leader but also an intelligent floor leader, similar to players like Jokic and LeBron James, who elevate their teams with their basketball IQ.
Balancing Perimeter and Interior Play for Peak Performance
While the Spurs are currently prioritizing Wembanyama’s perimeter skills, his potential dominance in the post shouldn’t be overlooked. With his height and length, he has the tools to be an effective inside scorer, and as his body matures, he’ll likely add strength to compete more effectively against powerful post defenders.
The ideal outcome for Wembanyama and the Spurs is a balanced offensive arsenal, where he can score effectively both inside and outside. This dual threat would make him unpredictable and nearly unguardable, a hallmark of past MVPs. Developing his interior game alongside his perimeter skills could allow him to reach a scoring level on par with the league’s best, setting him up as a formidable MVP candidate.
The Spurs Path to MVP-Level Scoring for Wembanyama
Once Wembanyama translates his freedom on the perimeter into consistent scoring, he will soon reach the elite levels needed for MVP contention. With recent MVP winners averaging well over 26 points per game, he has a benchmark to aim for, and his current trajectory suggests it’s within reach. By allowing him to expand his game now, the Spurs are giving Wembanyama the chance to develop into an all-around MVP, capable of both dominating the interior and stretching the floor.
For Wembanyama, this development path could make the difference between being a standout player and a future MVP. As the Spurs continue to nurture his growth, Wembanyama’s chances of contending alongside top-tier stars are looking more promising, positioning him as a potential MVP-caliber player sooner rather than later.
