Victor Wembanyama has never wanted to put limitations on how he can play and the San Antonio Spurs are abiding by his vision in Year 2 of his NBA career.
“That everyday fight you talk about is something I’ve been through, of course, growing up a lot,” Wembanyama said. “But now, I’m experiencing levels of freedom that I’ve never really had the chance before to have. And for me, it’s also the clearest path into how to get better and how to get to the top level.
“So, it makes sense that we see creativity on the court because I think it’s the best way for me to help my team. They’re not putting me in a box, and I’m not going to, either.”
Of the players to log 350 shots or more this season, Wembanyama ranks 13th in percentage of jump shots taken (63.4%), placing him on a list chock-full of guards and wings.
One source with the Spurs believes Wembanyama is more similar to Kevin Durant than Hakeem Olajuwon stylistically.
“It doesn’t surprise me because it’s conventional wisdom,” interim head coach Mitch Johnson said of the criticism regarding Wembanyama’s penchant for shooting 3s. “For someone that is as in tune with who he wants to be and who he has the potential to be as Victor, it’s our job to respect that and kind of partner with him in growing who that is. I think there’s just an element of understanding sometimes when and how. As he gets more experience, he’s gotten a lot better with that.”
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