NBA
Wembanyama’s record milestone adds to LeBron concerns
San Antonio Spurs' 20-year-old phenom is reshaping basketball norms faster than legends like Curry and Harden.
Victor Wembanyama, the towering 7-foot-4 center for the San Antonio Spurs, has swiftly become a sensation in the NBA. At just 20 years old, the French prodigy has already sunk 200 three-pointers, achieving this milestone in only his first year—a feat accomplished more rapidly than by Stephen Curry, James Harden, and Ray Allen combined.
With an impressive 201 three-pointers made out of 603 attempts, Wembanyama boasts a 33.3% success rate, marking him as a generational talent.
A new era for the NBA
Wembanyama’s rise underscores a significant shift in American basketball. The increasing emphasis on three-point shooting has sparked debates across the United States. Critics, including a certain LeBron James, argue that this trend contributes to a decline in the sport’s excitement and viewership, citing the repetitive nature of long-range shots. League executives like Commissioner Adam Silver are actively seeking solutions to balance the game and maintain its appeal.
Wemby dominating both ends of the court
What sets Wembanyama apart isn’t just his three-point prowess. In the same game where he made headlines for his shooting, he also recorded ten blocks against the Portland Trail Blazers
Over 94 games, he has amassed 341 blocks, surpassing 91% of all NBA players. Despite ongoing injuries sidelining his mentor Gregg Popovich, Wembanyama continues to evolve, taking on more challenging shots and showcasing his versatility both near and beyond the arc.
Comparing legends: Curry, Harden, and Allen
Victor’s achievements invite comparisons with some of the NBA’s greatest shooters:
- Stephen Curry: Drafted in 2009, Curry spent his initial four years honing his skills before transforming into the sharpshooting icon with the Warriors under coaches Mark Jackson and Steve Kerr.
- James Harden: Entering the league the same year as Curry, Harden began with the Thunder, eventually making his mark with the Rockets. Initially a role player, his breakout came as he became the centerpiece of his team.
- Ray Allen: Selected in 1996, Allen was renowned for his dribbling and shooting, distinguishing himself beyond just three-point specialization.
Wembanyama’s unique impact
Wembanyama’s dual-threat capability—exceling in both shooting and defense—positions him as a transformative figure in basketball. His ability to dominate in various facets of the game hints at a future where players are not confined to traditional roles, paving the way for more versatile and dynamic playstyles in the NBA.
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