Unbelievable quote should have Spurs more all-in on Wembanyama than ever

The San Antonio Spurs have the second-worst record in the NBA this season, putting them in a prime position to land the number one pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. If they were to do so, they would almost certainly select 7-foot-3 frontcourt phenom Victor Wembanyama. Talent evaluators widely regard Wembanyama as one of the best prospects in decades. And a recent interview with Sports Illustrated isn't likely to dissuade Spurs fans or the front office of that view. One quote, in particular, stood out.

"I’ve seen him make five threes with the right hand in a row, switch to the left and make five threes... That’s the craziest s— I had ever seen in my life," Maxime Raynaud.

The fact someone his size is capable from beyond the arc is incredible enough, but being an ambidextrous shooter is just piling on. That suggests Wemby has terrific shooting touch and could thrive playing as a stretch five in the NBA, where they are in high demand.

Wembanyama's sharpshooting will only make the Spurs want him more

Of course, given his near-unprecedented size, three-point shooting should only be a part of his offensive repertoire and not his entire game in the NBA. If drafted by the Spurs, they would likely give him the freedom to shoot from outside with either hand. However, their primary focus would probably be to further develop him as an interior scorer, at least at first. Improved skill in the post, coupled with his towering figure, would draw plenty of double teams, allowing him to kick out to open shooters. Or, he could simply shoot over the help defense.

Even then, none of the best big men in today's NBA are strictly back-to-the-basket players, and this anecdote suggests that Wembanyama won't be that either when he enters the league. He still has a long way to go before he reaches the levels of Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokic, but the talent is certainly there for him to be the next big thing—pun absolutely intended.

All in all, Wembanyama's impressive ability to knock down threes with both hands is certain to get Spurs fans even more excited about his captivating game. Regardless, even with the second-worst record in the NBA, the Spurs will need a lot of luck to be in a position to draft him. Let's hope the ping-pong balls bounce in their favor, especially after this latest bit of news.