Whoa, whoa, surprise. This is yet another work by Victor Wembanyama. We’re in the midst of something quite unique.

Wembanyama regularly performs actions that we as witnesses are only used to witnessing. A 7’5 player performing nutmegs? Euro-stepping into a slam after stepping beyond the 3-point line? stymieing an Andrew Wiggins jumper with some significant height on it?

It is all ridiculous.

With an average of almost 21 minutes of action in four preseason games, Wembanyama is averaging more than 19 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks.

The fact that he made a smooth transition to the NBA is even more impressive than his stat performance. He has correctly recognized that he has every right to hold the platform that he does, and he is not in the slightest bit shy or filled with rookie worries.

Few rookies approach the NBA with such a determined mindset, particularly one as young and experienced as Wembanyama, who must not only acclimate to a new culture but also to his own height and position in the NBA.

Let’s talk about what we’ve seen thus far and what to anticipate from the 19-year-old this season.

Protective effect

Teams are already being forced to assault Wembanyama’s non-placed sections of the floor. Nevertheless, it is somewhat irrelevant because he will cover more territory in a single stride than the majority of point guards would in three.

Even with his inevitable mental slip-ups and inexperience against NBA offenses, he is an unstoppable force on defense. He’ll be tackled off the dribble, put in an awkward situation, and still have enough time to heal up to seriously challenge a shot.

Rebounding has been a problem, but he’s guarding the perimeter a lot in addition to his own high 3-point shooting percentage, which reduces his opportunities for offensive rebounds. But going forward, in order to maximize his own frame and San Antonio’s transition potential, that is one area where the rising star will need to improve.

Have you really not seen this guy put the ball on the floor after grabbing a defensive rebound? The defense is completely exposed if a defender hasn’t crossed half-court by the time he takes his initial step.

Wembanyama should have a significant impact on San Antonio’s defense right away, pending health and playing time, to the point where I believe we will all be shocked by where they finish the regular season. With the most versatile and perimeter-comfortable 7-foot-5 player ever, might they place among the Top 10? I’m not discounting it.

inflammatory creativity

The Spurs aren’t regarded for having a very inventive offensive style. It was a pretty simple recipe even in the Tim Duncan era. Set a ton of off-ball screens, make the extra pass, and feed the post.

Wembanyama will add unpredictability to the Spurs offense.

Step-back triples via perimeter isolation with duo-crossovers? Yes. High-octane changes culminating in lobs flung too high that he will manage to somehow catch? Certainly.

Remarkably, Gregg Popovich, the head coach, allowed Wembanyama to express himself. He knows that he must adopt a mix between structure and creative flexibility in order to maximize the newbie.

All Wembanyama needs to be able to do is occasionally veer off course, and sometimes that will work to his advantage. But Popovich is aware that’s a necessary step in the procedure. Wembanyama will have room to lean into branches and the Spurs will benefit if he also executes more stable plays, like flashing to the free throw line for open jumpers.

Outcomes

To be clear, I’m not going to sit here and predict that the Spurs will make the play-in round this season.

…but I also assert that they won’t.

Perhaps partly because so few people have paid attention to Devin Vassell, Jeremy Sochan, Malaki Branham, and Keldon Johnson, this team appears to have more potential than many know.

These lads are a year older and a year wider, and with Wembanyama around, they can all now enjoy staying beneath the radar.

One recurring trend throughout the preseason has been the way that, with or without the ball, all ten defensive eyes appear to turn towards the rookie when they cut towards the lane. Teams are forced to do so by his size and coordination, giving them time to adjust their rotations.

Having all the attention on one person only means that four players stand to gain, regardless of the rotations that are being made. It brings me to my point.

Wembanyama is capable of passing the ball. He has the ability to pass it both creatively and simplistically. He’s not Jokić and never will be, but he has an excellent sense of where his teammates are on the court and his stature gives him a fantastic overview that makes readings simpler, especially in a crowded court.

Does that imply that they will succeed without a doubt? Of course not. However, it doesn’t hurt, and the Spurs are undoubtedly a team that values competition highly.

Therefore, I don’t think it’s that stunning if they end up in the play-in.