Scott Wachter-Imagn Images Wembanyama’s focus will accelerate his development Victor Wembanyama is aiming to take the next step in his development. At San Antonio Spurs Media Day, he said the big emphasis put on his game is “making an advantage out of really simple situations.” The example he cited was finishing. Hallelujah sang the Spurs fans. If he’s true to his word, he won’t attempt more 3-point shots than layups or dunks; this will increase his efficiency drastically. Going to the body of the defense with higher frequency will create “simple situations” in abundance. His body is prepared for it after reportedly upping his weight from 210 to 235 pounds. As pretty as his jumper is, he should still use it but lower its prevalence because he won’t catch traps on the perimeter like Dirk Nowitzki. It’s not an effective weapon for him at 33.4 percent from all areas. Even when he improves as a marksman, he may be too tall for that strategy to work. But he will catch way more schemes from the elbow down. Facing up from here instead of farther out is ideal because it gives help defenders less time to respond. Additionally, playing like a heavyweight will unlock his passing when the paint is collapsed- he can avoid trouble with the overhead pass and be in great position to score on the return feed. In comparison to other centers, Wembanyama was 10th in paint scoring in 2023-24. Noticeably, he was behind Rudy Gobert and Jarrett Allen, who have weak offensive moves. Gobert played in five more games than W, and Allen logged seven. When adding all positions, he was tied for 25th with Kawhi Leonard. Wembanyama pressures the defense more with each step he takes toward the rim because there is no answer for a giant with an eight-foot reach. Keep in mind that Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had elite size and length at 7’2 with a 7’5 wingspan. His main weapon was the cruise missile. The only man who stopped it straight up was Wilt Chamberlain, who was probably more demigod than man. If the reigning Rookie of the Year gets a go-to hook, he’ll be the most unguardable player since the goggled assassin. Every pivot needs one, like a boxer who depends on the shotgun jab to set up the big shot. But such an undertaking will require patience. In 2023-24, he only made 23 of 51 hooks. Consider that Wemby made 67.1 percent of his tries at fewer than five feet from the cup. Those attempts were the highest of his shot diet at 37.4 percent. With that efficiency, he must take at least three out of five ventures there to create more contact to get to the line. Spamming pick and rolls and handoffs are strategies to ensure he does. On top of that, the Spurs could run cross screens on the baseline for him to open up deeper positioning on the catch. And firing 5.2 freebies nightly is not enough; his goal should be taking at least nine per game. The impact it would have against defenses is similar to a ball and chain destroying a building’s foundation. Putting rivals in foul trouble ensures “simple situations” because an inferior player replaces them and the team can get in the bonus early in the quarter. “The more I grow into my career, the more I realize it’s important to work on the fundamentals,” Wembanyama said. He wants to win sooner rather than later. Embracing the fundamentals will help him take the Spurs back to glory.