Wembanyama's heavy workload, including the 2024 Olympics, may be impacting his performance early in the NBA season.
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama has started the 2024-25 season slower than expected. An NBA scout, cited by ESPN’s Tim Bontemps, suggested fatigue might be affecting him. The scout noted that Wembanyama “has looked tired” after playing 71 games as a rookie and competing in the 2024 Olympics.
Through nine games, he is averaging 17.7 points, 9.6 rebounds, 3.7 blocks, 2.7 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.6 three-pointers, while shooting 41.3% from the field and 22.6% from three-point range.
These numbers fall short compared to his stellar rookie season, where he averaged 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 3.6 blocks per game, shooting 46.5% from the floor and 32.5% from deep.
Wembanyama’s rookie season ended on a high note. Over his last seven games, he averaged 28.1 points, 13.3 rebounds, 6.6 assists, and 4.6 blocks. This run included a standout 40-point, 20-rebound game against the Knicks. He also recorded 34 points and 12 rebounds versus the defending champion Nuggets.
His excellence extended beyond the NBA. Wembanyama led France to a silver medal at the 2024 Olympics. He averaged 15.8 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game during the tournament.
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Injuries were not a major issue during Victor Wembanyama’s rookie season. However, he did deal with recurring ankle problems. ESPN’s Andrew Lopez reported Wembanyama rolled his right ankle three times in December. This led the Spurs to limit his minutes and rest him in back-to-back games.
Wembanyama also sprained his left ankle in March, missing a game against the Suns. He rolled his right ankle again in April against the Pelicans.
There are no current reports of new injuries, but he has not matched last season’s form. Despite this, the Spurs have improved to a 4-5 record. This is a step forward from their 22-60 finishes in the past two seasons.
Wembanyama’s next chance to find his rhythm will be Saturday against the Utah Jazz.
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