Victor Wembanyama could reach unstoppable status with small improvement

Tim Duncan off the glass, Dirk Nowitzki fadeaway, Kevin Garnett pull-up; what do all of these moves have in common? They were all unguardable, mid-range shots that helped make each player into the dominating forces that they were. Victor Wembanyama could do something similar, and it would make him absolutely unstoppable.

ESPN's David Dennis Jr hit the nail on the head on a recent episode of NBA Today. "Offensively, he's been working with a lot of people. I would like to see him get in the lab with someone like KD. Get those three-point percentages up, especially off the dribble. And then also, getting his shot in different places around the court, sorta in that mid-range."

I'm sure that's similar to the train of thought Vic had when he asked to work with Kevin Durant after the Olympics last year. We also recently saw the Spurs franchise star with Hall-of-Fame power forward Kevin Garnett, and Kendrick Perkins confirmed that the two have been working out together. KG will help Vic understand the different ways he can get his shot off to impact the game.

Wembanyama's efficiency will be a major key to the Spurs' season

When you look at DDJ's comment, it's easy to forget how dominant Wembanyama was with his off-the-dribble three during his rookie season. He shot over 40% on such attempts. It was an unprecedented number for a first-year player, especially at center. But it dipped in his sophomore campaign.

On one-dribble pull-ups from beyond the arc, Vic shot 34%, on two-dribble pull-ups, he shot 16%, and when he took three or more dribbles, that number sat at 33%. For someone who enjoys pulling that shot as often as he does, he didn't make it at a respectable enough clip to continue jacking them up from that distance, considering the size and skills he possesses.

When it comes to his mid-range game, Vic can stand to shoot more of them, and he definitely has to make more. Sometimes, it's as simple as knowing how and when to take the shot. When he starts to get below the three-point line, guys like to start reaching. Since he's so tall, it's easier for those pesky guards to bother him and sometimes steal the ball.

As a result, only 9.5% of his shots came from 10-16 feet, and 9.8% came from 16 feet to the three-point line. It's just not enough. That's intentional from the defense. They want to keep him out of the paint to make him either fire shots from deep all game or make him fight to get in the lane, where they can get physical with him and rip at the ball.

Solving this issue will be just another step in the Alien's evolution. If he gets it down (with the help of guys like KD and KG, how could he not?), he'll take another giant step toward the greatness he seeks.