Victor Wembanyama struggles with three-point shooting as Spurs seek optimization

In November 2024, the San Antonio Spurs experienced an unusual situation with their young center, Victor Wembanyama. Head coach Gregg Popovich was sidelined after suffering a mild stroke, leading to Mitch Johnson stepping in as acting head coach. During this time, Johnson has allowed Wembanyama to aggressively take three-point shots, prompting a mix of criticism and curiosity from fans and analysts alike. Wembanyama, noted for his height at 7'4, has been launching 9.3 three-pointers per game while only attempting 3.3 free throws, raising questions about the strategy being utilized in his development. As Wembanyama explores his shooting range, statistics reveal a notable inconsistency; although he showcased his shooting potential with a career-high 50 points in a game against the Washington Wizards, he subsequently reverted to a 32.7% shooting rate in his following games. Such fluctuations underline a critical need for a strategic coaching plan tailored to his unique skill set. Wembanyama's effectiveness inside the painted area remains significant, hitting an impressive 82.4% of his attempts within three feet of the basket, yet only 23.2% of his shooting comes from that distance. For the Spurs to create a well-rounded and potent offensive strategy, Wembanyama’s progress as both an inside and outside scorer is essential. Johnson and Wembanyama will need to synchronize on various elements including shot volume and timing, ensuring his development continues positively. The situation presents both challenges and opportunities; establishing Wembanyama as a legitimate three-point threat could significantly open up the court. This notion pushes defenses to stretch out, thereby easing the scoring burden on his teammates like Chris Paul, Jeremy Sochan, and rookie Stephon Castle, who could then exploit the created space more effectively. As this process evolves, Wembanyama may face inherent growing pains, yet it remains crucial for his overall development to embrace this transition. As the season unfolds, the Spurs must find a balance in Wembanyama’s shooting approach, combining long-range attempts with potent interior scoring to maintain his effectiveness as a lob threat. This strategic complexity acknowledges that defenses may become comfortable if he opts solely for long-range shots instead of utilizing his diverse skill set. Thus, while the road ahead may be challenging for the 20-year-old star, the Spurs understand the importance of cultivating a player capable of dominating from both the perimeter and close range.