Victor Wembanyama’s season has been nothing short of spectacular for a 22-year-old phenom. The buzz around his MVP and Defensive Player of the Year candidacies is deafening, and with the Spurs racking up wins, they’re firmly in the hunt for the top seed in the Western Conference.
Much of the conversation has centered around Victor's offensive prowess and its impact on the Spurs' success. His scoring ability and the attention he commands on the court are well-documented, but there’s another aspect of his game that deserves more spotlight: his playmaking.
Wembanyama's Underrated Playmaking Skills
Victor’s recent assist numbers, averaging just over four per game in the last four outings, are turning heads. Yet, this isn’t a sudden development. He’s consistently been a reliable playmaker, with a career average hovering around 3.5 assists per game, peaking in his rookie year.
While he may not be Rajon Rondo with the ball, his playmaking is impressive for someone of his size. His ability to make quick decisions and pass out of shots is crucial, especially when defenders try to disrupt his rhythm.
A particularly exciting development is his passing in the short roll. Coach Mitch Johnson has experimented with pairing him alongside fellow seven-footer Luke Kornet, and the results have been promising. Victor’s instincts in slipping out of screens and creating high-low opportunities are becoming a key asset.
The Next Step in Wembanyama’s Evolution
The next big leap for Wembanyama is becoming an elite all-around offensive threat. His growth as a passer means he can still contribute significantly on nights when his scoring isn’t at its best.
Take San Antonio’s recent win over the Bucks, for example. Despite an inefficient 23-point performance, his six assists were pivotal, keeping the Spurs in control throughout the game.
This ability to impact games in multiple ways is a hallmark of the greats. Nikola Jokic, often regarded as the best in the league, excels as both a scorer and a distributor.
While Victor may not reach Jokic’s level of passing, the key takeaway is clear: great players elevate their team’s offense, even when their shots aren’t falling. For Wembanyama, his facilitation is a powerful tool in his arsenal.