Victor Wembanyama lived up to his hype as an alien in the modern NBA, as the 7’4″ French center made an effortless transition from European basketball to the NBA as a rookie, leading the league in blocks. However, he was also among the league leaders in the worst 3-point shooters in the NBA.
1. Franz Wagner – 28.1 3P%
T2. Nikola Vucevic – 29.4 3P%
T2. Jordan Clarkson – 29.4 3P%
4. Kelly Oubre Jr. – 31.1 3P%
5. Saddiq Bey – 31.6 3P%
T6. P.J. Washington – 32.0 3P%
T6. Jaren Jackson Jr. – 32.0 3P%
T10. Scoot Henderson – 32.5 3P%
T10. Victor Wembanyama – 32.5 3P%
T10. Caris LeVert – 32.5 3P%
(Stats from ESPN)
Wembanyama attempted 5.5 threes per game, so his numbers have a fair amount of volume to assert that he is yet to become an average 3-point shooter. Wemby’s shooting skill was one of the most pronounced advantages behind his game, but it seems that skill will take a few more years of polishing before it’s a consistent weapon.
Curiously, Wemby led the league in step-back three percentage (46.2%), which shows he can convert his shots at a fantastic rate if he can create separation with a step. While he can shoot over anyone, it seems he’s among the new generation of rhythm shooters who feel more comfortable converting step-back threes.
The Spurs big man averaged 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 3.6 blocks as a rookie, orchestrating one of the greatest rookie seasons in NBA history. He’s Fadeaway World’s pick for Rookie of the Year and will likely win dominantly despite the presence of another generational rookie, Chet Holmgren, who was the third-best player on the No. 1 seed in the West.
Victor Wembanyama Is Scratching The Surface
Nobody should overreact to Wembanyama’s shooting splits. He had a green light in San Antonio and was encouraged by coach Gregg Popovich to showcase the full range of his game. He is a competent shooter but could contribute more to winning basketball if he reduces his attempts and selects his shots more prudently.
Wembanyama knows his rookie season isn’t indicative of the player he might become, making an audacious claim after the end of his campaign.
“I would say that I am currently at 15% between my first NBA game and what I hope will be my prime.”
The league’s leading shot-blocker also expressed how proud he is of earning that achievement as a rookie, along with his various unique stat lines, including the first 5×5 since 2019.
“I would say, what I’m most proud of, I’d say is, I mean there’s a couple things. One thing that I just like is having those unique stat lines, for example, in wins. And also being, yeah, leading rookies in most categories and leading the league in blocks. I’m pretty proud of this.”
If Wembanyama’s belief he only improved 15% as a rookie is true, the league is in big trouble for the future. Wembanyama is already a game-changing prospect and if he unlocks 85% more of his game, he might have a legitimate chance at challenging the GOATs of the sport.
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