A successful Wembanyama season has a different look this year
Despite the Spurs missing the playoffs for the fifth straight year last season, there were plenty of reasons to celebrate. Chief among them was Victor Wembanyama's performance, since he not only secured the Rookie of the Year award but also thrilled San Antonio fans extensively with his exhilarating playstyle.
However, things are changing this season, as what was achieved last year will not be enough for Wemby to meet the expectations not only of its fans but also of the rest of the world who hope to see it improve year after year.
Wemanyama's skills must begin to translate directly to wins
Last season marked Victor's initial impact as an NBA player, and he truly impressed. This year, the aim is to build on that foundation, especially with a stronger team and the expertise that Chris Paul brings.
There's a collective hope to witness a French superstar who surpasses last year's performance, taking on more responsibilities, demonstrating leadership, and having a more significant influence on his team’s results.
Many hope that in the long run, the Spurs center will reach the level of players like LeBron James. Using James as an example of perseverance during his early seasons is appropriate.
In his second year with the Cavaliers, he demonstrated that his story was just starting, dramatically improving various statistics. He averaged nearly 7 more points per game, 2 additional rebounds, an assist, and half a steal while also increasing his three-point shooting percentage by 6%.
However, it's crucial to alleviate the pressure on the 20-year-old French player. LeBron's remarkable statistics raised Cleveland's record by just 7 games, shifting them from a losing to a winning record yet still missing the playoffs. It took until his third year for him to guide the Cavs to the conference semifinals, where they faced a dramatic elimination in a decisive Game 7 against the Pistons.
The excitement of seeing Victor Wemby shine in the NBA should always remain, with each performance showcasing his unwavering ambition for success. However, Wemby's next step is figuring out how to take all the abilities he possesses and use them to affect Spurs' outcomes to truly become the NBA's new face.