Welcome to Pounding the Rock’s 2024-25 participant opinions! The sequence will have a look at the gamers who completed the season with the San Antonio Spurs on assured contracts and who performed consequential minutes and/or a significant function (so no two-way gamers as a result of we hardly noticed them this 12 months, and no gamers who have been traded away).
Victor Wembanyama
2024-25 stats: 46 video games, 33.2 MPG, 24.3 factors, 11 rebounds, 3.8 blocks, 35.2 3FG%
Contract Standing: 2 years, $30.2 remaining
Age: 22
Victor Wembanyama was properly on his technique to an All-NBA season earlier than struggling deep vein thrombosis in his shoulder, sidelining him for the second half of the 12 months. After enhancing in seemingly each facet of his recreation, making an NBA All-Star workforce, and main the league in blocks, Wembanyama had earned his place as a Celebrity within the league. If it weren’t for his harm, we’d in all probability be speaking in regards to the defensive participant of the 12 months, first or second workforce All-NBA, and a playoff look.
As a substitute, Wembanyama’s sophomore season shall be one outlined by “what ifs.” When he did play, he was superior. He has develop into the perfect rim protector within the NBA, persevering with to discourage gamers from even trying photographs within the paint. His turnover charge decreased ever so barely from 16.2 to 13.7, as he discovered when to select his spots. No improvement was greater than his three-point shooter. Wembanyama turned a sniper from deep for an enormous chunk of the season. He knocked down 35.2% of his threes on 8.8 makes an attempt per recreation.
The widespread criticism of Wembanyama’s recreation is that he spends an excessive amount of time away from the basket offensively. 47% of Wemby’s photographs got here from three-point vary this season. He tried roughly .90% fewer makes an attempt on the rim in 12 months two. However the benefits that Wembanyama creates by spacing the ground from deep at his measurement will open driving lanes for gamers like De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Fortress transferring ahead. Wembanyama continues to be a pressure across the basket. His shot choice possible must steadiness out, however his expanded vary ought to solely assist the Spurs transferring ahead.
Wanting forward
San Antonio has loads of property to place a aggressive basketball workforce round Wembanyama subsequent season. With Fox, no matter they determine to do with the second and fourteenth picks within the draft, Fortress, Harrison Barnes, and whoever they determine to accumulate this summer time, groups gained’t be capable of ship two or three defenders at him all recreation. We may even see Wembanyama make one other leap ahead in 12 months three as he chases a playoff spot.
The largest query round Wembanyama’s future is his well being. The blood clot in his shoulder is frightening. Whereas the Spurs have insisted that is an remoted incident, different gamers have had promising careers reduce quick due to the medical challenge. It’s honest for followers to be nervous about his future. It’s honest for them to be skittish about him doubtlessly taking part in for the French nationwide workforce in Eurobasket this summer time. His long-term well being is crucial factor for this franchise.
Subsequent season would be the most fun of Wemby’s profession. He’ll play alongside one other star in Fox. San Antonio ought to purchase extra shooters this summer time to open up the ground round him. If he makes a full restoration, which appears possible, the sky is the restrict subsequent 12 months. Wembanyama is extension-eligible in the summertime of 2026. He’ll definitely earn the utmost rookie extension and lead the Spurs for a few years to return.
High efficiency
November 13 vs. Washington Wizards. Profession-Excessive 50 factors on 8-16 taking pictures from three.
Last grade: A+
Earlier Opinions:
Bismack Biyombo, Charles Bassey, Malaki Branham
Blake Wesley
Sandro Mamukelashvili
De’Aaron Fox
Julian Champagnie
Jeremy Sochan
Keldon Johnson
Harrison Barnes
Chris Paul
Stephon Fortress
Devin Vassell
