One of Victor Wembanyama's most important offensive attributes is his gravity. With his unique blend of size and skill, he can attract multiple defenders like flies and create easy scoring opportunities for others. This season, his ability to push the basketball in transition on his own will have the same effect on opponents and help the San Antonio Spurs find efficient looks from distance.
That's huge, because this team is looking to improve its long-range shooting. Last season, they ranked 14th in three-point attempts and 15th in percentage. Those aren't horrible marks, but for a group with championship aspirations, there are definitely ways to get more out of their floor spacing.
Wemby can be the key to that. He's already a talented playmaker at his position, and his ability to grab-and-go will give the Spurs' long-range snipers exactly what they need to torch defenders from beyond the arc.
Victor Wembanyama puts immense pressure on opposing defenses
Wembanyama has a unique ability to snatch a rebound or recover a block and immediately push the ball in transition. His long, gazelle-like strides, combined with a handle that doesn't even make sense for someone his height, put immense pressure on opposing defenses.
Their first instinct is to protect the interior. They'll do everything in their power to clog up lanes and prevent a highlight-reel-worthy coast-to-coast dunk, which would force perimeter defenders to sink in closer to the paint and provide help.
Wemby's got the right amount of basketball acumen to read those defenders and spray the rock to the perimeter at just the right moment. Can opponents scramble out to those shooters and close out in time? I doubt it. The Spurs have a fair share of quick draws who can get the ball out of their hands in the blink of an eye.
Wemby's expanding his playmaking bag
The 7'4" superstar has a lot of tricks up his sleeve, including an underrated passing skill set. We've seen that over these last few seasons, where he's been putting up solid assist numbers at that center position.
Throughout the exhibition stage, we got a good dose of him operating in the middle of the floor as an offensive hub, setting his teammates up for scoring looks. He also showed that ability to make a play on the defensive end and glide down the court, using his gravity to get one of his peers open for an easier shot.
His leap as a playmaker will take the Spurs to an entirely different level. Someone of his size demands lots of attention, and it's such a luxury for him to have such great passing chops to get the ball to the right place at the right time.
