Victor Wembanyama has been an absolute beast to start the year. He looks so much sharper to start this season compared to his first two in the NBA. He’s posting a career-high in points and rebounds, so let’s look at how Victor Wembanyama has taken this next step into superstardom.

To start, I want to say I believe Victor Wembanyama experienced another growth spurt this summer. I don’t care if the Spurs list him at 7’4”, he’s probably closer to 7’7”. He is making 7-footers look like guards when he is on the court. The paint is never safe for anyone when he’s in the game. He’s once again leading the league in blocks, averaging a ridiculous 3.6 bpg. You would think offensive players would learn to be extra careful, but I guess not. 

Aside from his game-changing defense, his offense has also taken a leap. I remember watching Spurs games last year, and it would drive me absolutely nuts watching him jack up threes for no reason. There would be so many times early in the shot clock that he would shoot a three. And sure, he could take that shot, I mean it’s a good shot . . . for the rest of the league. He can make 7-footers look like kids; there’s no reason for him to shoot a contested three. I would much rather see him attack the lane and get a quality shot from inside. It’s not like Wembanyama is not a good dribbler and can’t get to the net from the perimeter. Wemby’s an alien he can get to the paint whenever he wants so it would drive me absolutely crazy. 

However, this year Victor Wembanyama is finally getting to the key much more than last year. He’s being more physical, not settling for long jumpers. He has cut his three-point attempts almost in half compared to last year and has almost doubled his free-throw attempts as well. He’s not shying away from the contact anymore, and he’s actually initiating the contact much more often now. And with him having gotten stronger in the offseason, he’s able to push defenders off his line instead of defenders pushing him.

I’m ready to say Victor Wembanyama is a top 5 player in the league. He’s easily the best defender in the NBA, and now his offense has taken that next step.