Victor Wembanyama’s start to the NBA season has caused a lot of discussion. Even though the reigning Rookie of the Year is famous for his versatility and generational talent, he seemed uncharacteristically shaky in the opening stretch.

He connected on just 14 three-pointers in his first nine games, shooting a troubling 22.6%, according to Basketball Reference. Critics began to question if his early shooting struggles were a sign of deeper challenges while examining the San Antonio Spurs’ use of their rising superstar.

Wembanyama has given a resounding answer after the past three games.

The 7-foot-4 center scored 24 points against the Utah Jazz on Saturday, November 9th, a day after breaking out of his slump. Wembanyama scored 34 points in an upset win over the Sacramento Kings on Monday, and the momentum continued as he hit six more three-pointers on 12 attempts.

Wembanyama scored a career-high 50 points during a recent victory against the Washington Wizards, and his long-range shooting once again allowed him to dominate. Despite hitting eight of his 16 shots from behind the arc, his 18-for-29 shooting effort, which included hitting eight of his 16 shots from behind the arc, left Spurs fans in a frenzy.

A Historic Night

The record books engraved with Wembanyama’s name with a 50-point game. He is the 4th-youngest NBA player to score 50 points. Joining Brandon Jennings, LeBron James, and Devin Booker. Wembanyama’s ability to achieve the feat at such a young age is a testament to his unique skill set that combines size, finesse, and range.

Wembanyama’s return from the depths has had a profound effect on the narrative of his season, beyond the milestone itself. His season-long three-point percentage increased from 22.6% to 34.3% in just three games, making him within striking distance of the league average of 36.6%, according to Basketball Reference.

Spurs Finding Their Groove

The Spurs value Wembanyama’s turnaround not only his personal achievements but also for the team’s progress. The Spurs’ offense has been opened up by his renewed confidence outside the arc, making defenses account for him both inside and outside. San Antonio’s patience and willingness to work through early struggles in his growth process has been validated by his performance.

Jack McClinton, a second-round pick in 2009, provided his opinion on Wembanyama’s current season.

“Wemby is one of the best players in the NBA right now. Long season—everybody saying he is shooting too many threes. It is early; he is just expanding his game. He is showing the world what he can do. Obviously, he can go inside, he can go outside—that’s social media, they are going to say what they are going to say. He’s a generational talent.”

The Sky Is the Limit

Each game, Wembanyama is surpassing the high expectations set for him and redefining what a player of his stature and skill set can achieve. His recent stretch underscores why he was the consensus No. 1 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft and why the Spurs view him as the cornerstone of their future.

As Wembanyama evolves and dominates, it becomes apparent that the slow start was only one part of the story, not the end. If he continues on this trajectory, he will soon be considered one of the best young players in the league, not just one of the best players, period.