Victor Wembanyama is arguably the most talked-about young player in the NBA today. With his towering height and exceptional versatility on the court, he stands out as a unique talent who has captivated both fans and analysts alike. In just his second season, the French center has become the face of the San Antonio Spurs, and his impact on the team has been nothing short of transformative.
After the Spurs’ dominant 122-86 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers to close out 2024, Wembanyama took a moment to reflect on his development throughout the year and the areas where he still seeks improvement. “I think I have to trust my instincts,” he shared. “I know the craziness happens by itself, and I don’t need to force it.”
However, he acknowledged that while instincts play a crucial role, there are times when a more deliberate approach is necessary. “What I need to force are the things that aren’t natural to me—some fundamentals, some adjustments to the opponents’ defense, and things I still need to learn,” he explained. “Once I’ve learned them, they’ll become natural. But it’s important to trust my instincts.”
The French star’s competitive drive shines through in his constant desire to refine every aspect of his game. Despite being only in his second season, his impact on the league has far exceeded expectations and cemented his status as one of the NBA’s brightest stars.
Wembanyama’s numbers speak for themselves. He currently ranks 11th among the league’s top scorers in the 2024-25 season, averaging an impressive 25.6 points per game. He also leads the NBA in blocks with 3.9 per game, well ahead of his nearest competitor, Walker Kessler, who averages 2.7. Additionally, Wembanyama ranks in the top ten for defensive rebounds, pulling down 8.2 per game.
Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs scores against the Golden State Warriors in the second half at Frost Bank Center on November 23, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas.
Spurs’ collective success: A work in progress
While Wembanyama’s individual achievements are unquestionable, the next step for the Spurs—and for Victor—is achieving collective success. San Antonio endured a difficult 2023-24 season, finishing second to last in the Western Conference with a 22-60 record.
This season, however, the Spurs have shown significant improvement, posting a 17-16 record and positioning themselves for a potential playoff spot. Leading the team into the postseason will be a key challenge for Wembanyama, and achieving that success will be the next crucial milestone in his career.
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NBA News: Victor Wembanyama sets another incredible record in final game of the year
What’s next for the Spurs?
The Spurs’ quest to solidify their playoff hopes continues this Friday night in Colorado, where they’ll face the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena in their first game of the year. With the Nuggets sitting fourth in the Western Conference and having won 8 of their last 11 games, this matchup will be pivotal for the Spurs as they strive to climb the standings.
