How Spurs are helping Victor Wembanyama succeed on offense

Victor Wembanyama didn't play much in pre-season or put up impressive numbers, but still managed to look unstoppable at times. His performance at the Olympics, combined with the brilliance he showed in the exhibition games, are impressive enough to inspire optimism for an impending jump, particularly on offense.

One specific play in the matchup against the Heat, which isn't new but probably should be used more often, showed how unstoppable Victor can be when he gets the ball in the right place and in attack mode… and led to the following conversation between JR Wilco and Me.

JR Wilco: This is the piece I was making fun of last night.

Jesus Gomez: Oh, that was dirty. When he catches the ball inside the arc, he is a beast.

Wilco: Exactly my point! I say you can focus an entire offense on this type of move because when he gets the ball there, the D is done.

They hardly played this game last season. That's Exhibit A in the prosecution's case that San Antonio was fully committed to experimentation last season and therefore has a chance to be far better this year than anyone would think given the record last season is truly representative of how good this team was.

The Duncan Robinsons of the league have NO CHANCE of stopping Wemby on this play. And who else will be guarding Champers (Julian Champagnie) as he sets up that screen for Vic? Most teams will switch, which in this scenario means death. And if they both stay at Wemby, hit Julian in the corner for an open 3.

Gomez: The two potential problems with trying to get Wemby going from these spots are that teams will put their center on Sochan and double Wemby before he even gets the ball, and that Wemby will sometimes still have the ball for a second too long holds and is not yet the best passer. But yes, sometimes you realize that Wemby is unstoppable as an attacking centre in his second yearwhich is crazy.

Wilco: Let's say they guard Vic with a more mobile defender centered on Jeremy. This piece still works. If you double him early, Paul has the ball and can refine a 4v3 or 3v2 elsewhere, right?

Gomez: Right. But this move worked so well because Wemby attacked straight away. He needs to do this more often. There was another play from the same game where he also went straight to the basket, which shows how decisive makes him much more dangerous.

Wilco: I'm having a hard time deciding what I like best about this second piece. There are so many things to choose from: the way the team focuses on getting Vic the ball, the way Castle doesn't try to force it, while the Heat protect him while the defense moves recovered, the way Wemby runs to a point to receive the ball, forcing Love to move to stay in touch with him, the quick little fake to the left before driving to the right , and how easy it is for him to complete this shot, even though the angle of his shot means he heads away from the basket. But you chose this piece – what do you see?

Gomez; Patience and determination from the guards and Wemby. The first video shows a bucket taken from a standard game, but sometimes a second action is required to get a good look. The pick-and-roll in the second break was well defended, but as the Heat players rotate and return to their men, Wemby sees the opportunity to blitz deep and does it. And because the Spurs now have more playmakers, he is being rewarded for it. It's the kind of sequence that develops good habits and will hopefully lead to Wemby moving more without the ball and attacking without hesitation when put in a position to score.

Wilco: That's exactly what I think has changed this preseason compared to last season. This is 100% something he was trained on over the summer: I have to go immediately. In both cases, it's much easier for him because the defense is in the process of switching, communicating and recovering when the ball is passed to him – something Chris Paul is an expert at and Tre Jones can do too.

Gomez: Yes. If he attacks immediately after catching the ball inside the arc, with little room to maneuver, he will likely be fouled, even if there are defenders in the field.

Wilco: And if it happens immediately and the defense reacts/overreacts/converges on him, then there will also be plenty of open teammates to pass to – something we know Vic isn't afraid to do.

Gomez: Yes. But first, be selfish and look for your opportunity. No hesitation, no sharp steps. Attack mode.

Wilco: Yes, please! From your lips to Pop and Wemby's ears!