Victor Wembanyama is bolstering MVP case by taking his scoring to another level

After his 52-point explosion against the Dallas Mavericks, San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama is officially an MVP candidate. His scoring has been much improved this season thanks to him going back to basics.

Instead of trying to create as much off the dribble or by posting up, he's focusing more on rolling to the basket and taking threes. That might not be how many want a 7-4 center to play, but there is no denying that it's effective.

Through 10 games, he's an impressive 29.1 points per game, even as his 3-point and free throw percentages lag behind his career averages. While his efficiency is still a work in progress, there's no denying that he is dramatically improving as an offensive player. In doing so, it's improving Wembanyama's MVP odds.

Victor Wembanyama is bolstering his MVP case with scoring

Right now, it appears to be a three-man race between Wembanyama, Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA), and Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic.

However, if Wembanyama can stay healthy, then the Spurs could have the best record of any of those teams, helping to bolster his MVP case. Wembanyama making a big scoring leap is also helping, not to mention that he is far and away the best defensive player in the NBA.

If he continues averaging around 29 points per game, then he could solidify himself as a top-five scorer in the NBA, in addition to being an all-time great defensive player. Combine that with team success, and he could have a rock-solid MVP case.

Offensive improvement is crucial to Victor Webanyama's MVP case

Despite his improved offensive output, his true shooting percentage is down significantly. That is mainly due to him taking more mid-range jumpers and struggling from that area, as well as attempting more threes.

Once his 3-point and free throw shooting improves to the mean and he finds his footing as a midrange shooter, his scoring could increase to perhaps 30 points per game. Last season, he averaged 25 points on 62.6% true shooting, but if he were to score at least 29 points per game on 60% true shooting, it would be difficult to pick SGA or Doncic over him.

All told, Wembanyama changing his offensive approach has resulted in him putting up incredible numbers. If his scoring improvement continues, then that, coupled with elite defense, will make him an MVP frontrunner.

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