How Good Will Victor Wembanyama Be By The End Of The 2024-2025 Season?
How Good Will Victor Wembanyama Be in the 2024-2025 Season?
The 2023-2024 NBA season gave us a glimpse of Victor Wembanyama’s potential, and it’s safe to say he did not disappoint. The French phenom, drafted first overall by the San Antonio Spurs, entered the league with monumental expectations. Now, as we head into the 2024-2025 season, fans are eagerly wondering: how good will Wembanyama be this season? To answer that question, it’s crucial to reflect on his rookie campaign, evaluate what we learned about his game, and assess how he can elevate his performance in his second year.
Rookie Season Review: Expectations vs. Reality
Victor Wembanyama’s rookie season was filled with moments of brilliance and learning experiences. The expectations for him were astronomical, given his combination of size, skill, and versatility, and while he showed flashes of greatness, he also faced some challenges adjusting to the NBA’s physicality and pace.
Offensive Impact
Offensively, Wembanyama showcased the unique skill set that made him the most anticipated prospect since LeBron James. Averaging around 18 points per game, his ability to stretch the floor with his shooting was immediately apparent. Wembanyama’s perimeter game, particularly his three-point shooting, allowed the Spurs to space the floor in ways few teams can with a player of his size. His ball-handling and ability to create his own shot were also impressive for a 7-foot-4 center, making him a mismatch for most defenders.
However, his rookie season also highlighted areas for growth. While he could score from deep, his shooting consistency was a bit streaky, with stretches of hot shooting followed by cold spells. His field goal percentage hovered around 45%, which suggests he can still improve his efficiency—especially around the rim. As he continues to adjust to the NBA’s faster, more physical style, his finishing and decision-making in the paint will be key areas for improvement.
Defensive Dominance
Wembanyama’s defense was as advertised. He averaged over two blocks per game and altered countless shots with his incredible 8-foot wingspan. His ability to protect the rim and defend smaller players on switches made him a defensive cornerstone for the Spurs, who are building around his potential to anchor their defense for years to come.
However, the physicality of the NBA also posed a challenge. Opponents often tried to bully him in the post, and while his length allowed him to contest shots, his relatively slender frame at 230 pounds was tested against stronger, more experienced big men. His defensive positioning and awareness improved as the season progressed, but there were moments where his lack of bulk made it difficult to handle some of the league’s more physical centers.
Where He Can Improve in 2024-2025
Heading into the 2024-2025 season, Wembanyama was poised to take another leap forward, and in some ways, he already has.
Although his season started out similar to last year, VW quickly followed that up with a few straight showout performances, dropping 50 points on 60% from the field, 50% from three, and a few blocks to go alongside it. He then followed up that performance with another efficient 28-point night against the Lakers and was sidelined with a minor knee injury late last week—better safe than sorry.
That being said, although VW has shown us areas of improvement and more breakout potential, there are obviously some aspects of his game that can still get even better.
Here are the key areas where he is likely to improve:
1. Physical Strength and Durability
One of the main focuses for Wembanyama in the offseason will be adding muscle and improving his overall durability. At 7-foot-4, he already has a significant height advantage, but bulking up will allow him to be more effective in the paint, both offensively and defensively. Adding weight and strength should help him battle in the post, absorb contact, and finish more efficiently at the rim. It will also make him less susceptible to injuries, as there were moments during his rookie season when the grind of an 82-game schedule seemed to wear him down.
2. Consistency in Shooting
Wembanyama’s shooting stroke is smooth for a player his size, but consistency is key. His three-point percentage hovered around 32%, showing that he has the ability to hit shots from deep but could improve his accuracy. A more reliable three-point shot would make him nearly unguardable, forcing defenders to respect his range and opening up driving lanes for him and his teammates. Look for him to refine his shooting mechanics and improve his shot selection in the 2024-2025 season.
3. Playmaking and Decision-Making
Wembanyama’s basketball IQ is already high, but as he grows more comfortable in the NBA, his decision-making on offense will improve. There were times during his rookie season when he forced shots or struggled against double teams, but with more experience, he will likely become more patient and make better reads. Expect him to increase his assist numbers as well, especially if the Spurs continue to develop a team-oriented offense that leverages his passing ability.
4. Leadership and Confidence
Another intangible area where Wembanyama will improve is his confidence and leadership on the court. As a rookie, he was still learning the ropes and adjusting to being the face of a franchise. In his second season, with a year of experience under his belt, he will likely be more vocal and assertive on both ends of the floor. His confidence in calling plays, directing teammates, and taking over games in clutch situations should grow as he becomes more comfortable in his role.
Projected Performance in 2024-2025
Based on his rookie season and the improvements we can expect, Wembanyama is poised for a breakout sophomore campaign.
My official projections are as follows:
Points per game: 22-24
Rebounds per game: 9-11
Assists per game: 3-4
Blocks per game: 2.5-3.5 (potential to lead the league)
Field goal percentage: 48-50%
Three-point percentage: 34-36%
Free throw percentage: 80%+
With the Spurs continuing to build around him, he should have more help on offense, allowing him to play a more natural and fluid game. The development of young players around him will create more opportunities for Wembanyama to thrive in a team-first environment.
While it’s difficult to predict exactly how dominant he will be, all signs point to Wembanyama taking a significant leap in his second year. If he can stay healthy, improve his physicality, and become more consistent in his shooting, the sky’s the limit for what he can achieve in the 2024-2025 season.