Victor Wembanyama has recently joined the NBA as one of the most promising players of all time. So, how has the 19-year-old prodigy performed in his first month in the league? Like any other rookie, Wembanyama has had his ups and downs. For instance, he has scored over 20 points in four games, including a career-high 38-point performance against the Phoenix Suns, which made waves throughout the NBA. However, the French player still shows signs of inexperience and has a lot to learn in the league.
The Sporting News has evaluated Victor Wembanyama’s performance, the most notable rookie in the NBA 2023/24 season. Regarding his offensive ability, Wembanyama can leave many people awestruck on a good day. A player who stands at 7’5″ with a wingspan of 8′, it is not an ordinary sight in basketball. Especially when his agility and movements are superior to players of his height. He has an excellent feel for the basket, and the Spurs are doing everything they can to create space for him in the paint.
The image below shows the difference in Wembanyama’s rebounding range compared to other players. Robert Covington, who is 6’8″ tall, is challenging for the ball against Wembanyama.
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Wembanyama can showcase his full potential if he plays alongside good ball handlers. Although the French center has had many favorable moments this season, the Spurs’ team failed to deliver the ball to him. It’s no surprise that Tre Jones has been a better support for Wembanyama than any other player on the Spurs, leading to better attacks for San Antonio when they are both on the court.
Aside from his dominant physicality, Wembanyama’s other skills are gradually improving. No one can match Wembanyama’s reach, but he only has a 36.4% success rate with mid-range shots and 28.3% success rate from the three-point line, both stats below average for players in his position. The video included shows one of Wembanyana’s impressive plays, but it might take some time before he can make such shots regularly.
Wembanyama also has some issues with ball handling, losing the ball 3.9 times per game (not uncommon for a rookie). Although the French center can execute successful dribbles, he needs to be more decisive to become a reliable source of creativity. Wembanyama is a good passer, but NBA games seem to be too fast-paced for him, which is normal for rookies.
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Below, Wembanyama did a great job of attracting opponents and opening up space for his teammates, but he ultimately decided not to pass to Cedi Osman, who has a 44.7% three-point percentage this season, instead passing to Malaki Branham who was being guarded under the basket. This was one of the seven turnovers that Wembanyama committed in the game against the Heat, setting a record for the most turnovers he has had in a game this season.
Wembanyama presents a major challenge for any team. A player stronger than Wemby will typically not have the speed to guard him, while a player with good speed will not have an ideal physical build like the French player. The skills that the 19-year-old has shown to this point are very impressive, especially when he plays at the center position.
The game against the Suns is a prime example, as Wembanyama was in top form and impossible to stop.
Rating: B
Evaluation of Victor Wembanyama’s defensive ability
Wembanyama is considered one of the best defensive players in the NBA today, which is surprising considering he is still a 19-year-old rookie. Wembanyama was honored as the Best Defensive Player in the French LNB Pro A last season, but the fact that a teenager was able to make such an impact in the NBA immediately is still rare.
Of course, Wembanyama’s height is his most notable feature. Wemby is constantly present around the basket and his height makes him a nightmare beneath it. Furthermore, Wembanyama is fast enough to move outside and apply pressure to guards before they shoot. Wembanyama has had good defensive moments against stars like Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, and Paul George.
George, an 8-time All-Star and 6-time All-NBA player, had this to say about Wembanyama:
“As soon as I saw Wembanyama under the basket, I decided to take a mid-range shot, and his arm suddenly appeared in front of me. I was like, “What the hell is this? Is my shot bad? Should I pass the ball? I thought he was supposed to be under the basket.” That’s why I’m hesitant even when there’s a gap. He’s always like that on the court, like he wants to say, “I’ll be there before you shoot.”
Here’s a classic example of Wembanyama’s defensive abilities and pressure in a play. The French center really applies good pressure in both the interior and exterior areas.
Although there are times when Wembanyama is overly enthusiastic and opponents dribble past him (Duncan Robinson recently did so), it’s still too good for a rookie. Wembanyama has blocked many shots, and opponents are having a hard time attacking him, and the Spurs are really better defensively when the French center is on the court.
If he continues to play like this, Wembanyama will be named to the All-Defensive team at the end of the season and become a candidate for the Defensive Player of the Year award. He has the skills to become one of the best defensive players in the league.
Evaluation: A+