Victor Wembanyama Year 3: How the Spurs Unicorn Is Changing Basketball
Victor Wembanyama is in his third NBA season, and he has already become one of the most impactful players in the league. At 7-4 with guard skills, he is unlike anything basketball has ever seen. Here is how Wemby is changing the game.
The numbers
Wembanyama is averaging 24.2 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.6 blocks, and 2.1 assists per game. His 3.6 blocks per game lead the league by a wide margin, and he is shooting 36% from three-point range — remarkable for a 7-4 center. His true shooting percentage of 61.2% is elite, and his defensive impact metrics are historically good.
The most impressive stat: Wembanyama's defensive rating when he is on the court is 102.4. When he sits, it jumps to 112.8. That 10-point gap is the largest in the NBA and illustrates just how much he transforms the Spurs defense with his mere presence.
The defensive revolution
Wembanyama does not just block shots — he changes them. Opponents shoot 8% worse at the rim when Wemby is the closest defender. His 7-8 wingspan allows him to contest shots that no other player can reach. He can guard the perimeter, switch onto guards, and still recover to protect the rim. There has never been a defender like him.
The offensive evolution
Wemby's offense has taken a leap in year 3. His three-point shooting has improved from 32% as a rookie to 36% this season. He has added a reliable midrange game and his post moves are becoming more polished. He can score from anywhere on the court, which makes him unguardable — you cannot sag off him because he will shoot the three, and you cannot play tight because he will drive past you.
The future
Wembanyama is 21 years old and already a top-5 player. His ceiling is the highest in the NBA. If the Spurs can build the right supporting cast around him, San Antonio could be the next dynasty. Gregg Popovich is building something special, and Wemby is the foundation.