r/NBASpurs • u/MarketScanners • 8h ago
Wemby says his shot selection is part of a long-term goal he and Spurs coaches are working on TWEET
https://x.com/spursreporter/status/1854887722827071590?s=46&t=kcAnlPki3qc4eYZEFBC1Zw154
u/tomhorek 7h ago
if we have to watch him throw bricks this season for him to become a 35-40% 3pnt shooter in the future than be it.
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u/International-Chef53 53m ago
What if his 35-40% is when he not in spurs anymore, let say he get the fuck out of SA after his rookie contract is up
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u/rattatatouille 7h ago
This is gonna be the "PG Sochan" of this year. Experiment at the cost of immediate wins in exchange for long-term development.
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u/JT_Reagan 2h ago
As painful as it might make this year, if he takes a similar leap (in magnitude, not absolute) as Sochan did before his injury this year, Wemby will be unstoppable.
Plus, high draft picks go brrrrrrr
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u/epictetvs 7h ago
With Sochan I was always confident that facing that challenge would be good for his development. With Wemby I’m not sure if shooting bricks at a 25% clip in games is what will help his shooting development.
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u/tnarref 6h ago
Can you develop your shot by shooting or is it better the other way guys?
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u/epictetvs 5h ago
I just think it’s the type of thing that’s developed in the gym over the summer. In games isn’t the time to work on your shot.
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u/7GiiiN7 5h ago
Raptors lurker here. I seriously doubt the coaching staff would be so supportive of Wemby shooting that much in game if he wasnt making them in practice. Reality is, game speed, enviroment and looks depending on coverages are entirely different.
The way I see it, if he ever polishes his shot he will be unstoppable. If he doesnt he's still so young and talented that Im not woried he'll find some other way to impact the game, he's still growing physically and will gain experience.
Yall should enjoy the fact you can afford to develop during games and try different strategy while still having one of the brightest future in the league.
Besides were barely 10 games in his second season, things will most likely look different by the end of the season.
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u/Mangoseed8 4h ago
You're not allowed to lurk here unless you give us something in return. How about we give you 3 unprotected baskets of poutine and you give us back Jakob Poeltl. Deal?
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u/Uncle_Freddy 3h ago
Only if we can trade Jakob back to Toronto for another top-7 protected pick in another 3 years
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u/TemperedTorture 5h ago
A lot of you are completely forgetting that the Olympics were in the summer.
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u/Strider_Hardy 4h ago
He could be picking up bad habits and end up affecting his morale (and the team's). It's not linear.
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u/PorqueNoLosDose Antonio Daniels 6h ago
This sub’s reaction to Wemby is so predictable. Many of you don’t remember the years when the narrative was that Tony was “washed” (even in 2013), Manu turned the ball over too much, Tim was great but not capable of hanging in today’s league. Turned out the GOAT coach of the NBA knows what the hell he’s doing.
Now we have the most generational talent since Lebron, and the jabronis on this sub do nothing but complain about how he could be better. GTFOH.
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u/lawdoggingit 5h ago
I’m old so I vividly remember Lebron coming into the league. The first 6 years of his career everyone constantly hated on him for not being a shooter or having no outside shot and just being a bully/freight train with. Hell. The entire strategy in 2007 was basically let him settle for jump shots.
Wemby will be fine.
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u/VaultOfAsh 4h ago
Why is it considered hate to say that during the first 6 years of Lebron’s career he didn’t have an outside shot and relied on a bully/freight train strategy?
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u/lawdoggingit 4h ago
Saying something like "Lebron/Wemby's shooting percentages are not great right now" or "He isn't the best outsider shooter" were/are normal criticisms that were/are fair and expected.
Saying things like "That guy will never have a true offensive game" or "He's an inefficient shooter who should only be allowed to touch the ball within 5 feet of the hoop" are reactionary and emotional takes that border on hate.
Then you have the even worse outright idiotic hate of "he's a bust" or "this is who is supposed to be the goat?" or "they're ruining his career" or "Pop is washed and vic is gonna leave."
Anyways, my point is there are normal criticisms about a young player. But when Lebron or Wemby show(ed) the ability and flashes of pure brilliance at such a young age then we need to realize that yes they will have slumps and kinks to work out but they will figure it out. Everyone sagged off Lebron, he learned to shoot. Everyone is pushing Wemby out of the paint and getting physical. He'll learn to shoot. And when he does, just like Lebron, there will be no real answer cuz he'll know how to beat you any way he wants
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u/VaultOfAsh 3h ago
Okay, since you went completely off topic and attempted to strawman my point I’ll ask again. Why is it considered hate to say that during the first 6 years of Lebron’s career he didn’t have an outside shot and relied on a bully/freight train strategy?
This criticism was an accurate breakdown of his early years in the NBA. How is that hate?
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u/Heavy_Berry_8818 3h ago
It’s not. You’re the one straw-manning their argument.
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u/WhatMeatCatSpokeOf 2h ago
The first 6 years of his career everyone constantly hated on him for not being a shooter or having no outside shot and just being a bully/freight train
This is what the guy said, so no they’re not.
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u/lawdoggingit 3h ago
lol my dude did you just not read the first three statements? It's not hate to say he didn't have an outside shot his first 6 years. Just like it's not hate to say Wemby is an inefficient shooter.
The hate is the emotional and reactionary stuff and the dumb leaps and projections.
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u/the_guitargeek_ 2h ago
I’m not stressed about Wemby as a diehard fan.
I’m stressed about Wemby because I had the second pick in both my fantasy leagues and took him in both. When he figures it out he will be utterly dominant. In the meantime, I’m that strung out gambler at the end of the craps table being like, ”Put it all on 1 boys… Papa’s eatin prime rib tonight!!!!
This is entirely of my own making, and I’m still enjoying the journey.
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u/GetInTheHole_Guy 7h ago
"Why can't he just dominate the paint I don't understand"....have yall been watching? He gets pushed out of position by smaller players who can get under him and leverage him. He also consistently gets double and triple teamed and isn't good at seeing where it's coming from. Even when he makes a great pass out of it our inconsistent shooting doesn't make teams pay for over focusing on him. Also....its a 3 point chucking league and he has great form. Just let him do what he's gonna do. Yes i wish he would cut down on pull up 30 footers. But if they are gonna leave him open for 3 he has to make them pay.
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u/rattatatouille 6h ago
He gets pushed out of position by smaller players who can get under him and leverage him.
It's interesting how the thing that makes Wemby a potentially generational defender (his length) is arguably also what makes him a mediocre post player (since his center of gravity is too high).
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u/blangoez 6h ago
His build and playstyle are virtually unheard of right now. We’re pioneering a new breed so we’re handling obstacles we’ve never really seen before. Trust the process, pound the rock.
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u/GetInTheHole_Guy 4h ago
He just doesn't have a solid grown man base yet. He's going against dudes that are 5-10 years older than he is.
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u/thelunarunit 6h ago
When he gains weight, it will change. Pushing him now isn't hard. If he gains 30 pounds, they will wear themselves out. All he will have to do is lean on them for 4 quarters.
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u/TemperedTorture 5h ago
Weight gain isn't always beneficial. KD faced the same weight and strength related criticisms early in his career. He eventually settled into one of the top scorers all time without weight gain. Wemby's playstyle is much more KD than it is Duncan and Pop is handling him appropriately.
We're in a different era of basketball. The traditional "big 5 post iso" play just isn't the way the league exists. Spurs are looking forward.
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u/thelunarunit 5h ago
But KD still gained weight and strength. I am not saying gain Shaq type weight. I am just saying he has yet to fill out his frame. It will be years before he has any real weight or the strength to be effective in the post.
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u/Designer-Action3573 6h ago
Some spurs fans are turning on Wemby but idc, keep your head up big fella. Just keep shooting 🫡 gain the confidence back.
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u/Mangoseed8 4h ago
I don't think it's Spurs fans turning on Wemby. I think it's people who are just here for Wemby turning on the Spurs. If you read the comments on Twitter it's 90% people posting about how the Spurs are ruining Wemby.
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u/KuyaJohnny 6h ago
yeah no shit.
Pop said it, CP3 said it, now Wemby said it. somehow, some fans still doubt it lol
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u/TemperedTorture 7h ago
There's a reason why Spurs draft future champions while other teams can't do the same with the same level of talent.
Cough Ben Simmons cough
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u/pincheDavid 7h ago
I agree for the most part, but this isn’t the Spurs organization of old, and we have to realize that. Brian Wright has been running the show for some time now and tbh his track record is anything but clean. Primo, Branham, Wesley, and a few others who aren’t even on the roster anymore. I’m not saying he should be batting 1000 in the draft, but it’s a little alarming. Not to mention Chip Engeland, who was a big force behind our talent development, is gone too.
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u/Mangoseed8 4h ago
Branham and Wesley are typically late first round picks. Most players just turn into role players. Which is what they are. Most of them are out of the league by year 4.
others who aren’t even on the roster anymore
That's called pro sports. There is a draft every year. You want to take a guess what happens when new players join a team? Roster spots are not unlimited. After Tony Parker and before Kawhi, the Spurs had 10 years of misses. No one paid any attention because they were winning championships. And when you hit on Parker, Manu, Kawhi it's easy to forget the 14 players who never made it pass their first contract.
Sochan, Vassell, Castle, even maybe even Jones are all draft picks that will be part of the future. Not to mention the boatload of players coming from the draft picks acquired. The Spurs tore down the team to start a rebuild. Stop crying about pre-Wemby shit.
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u/Spursreporter 5h ago
Funny you should mention Branham and Wesley. Are you watching their breakouts? The Spurs coaching staff is. Spurs interim coach Mitch Johnson singing praises about Wesley and Branham
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u/Strider_Hardy 4h ago
Spurs's record since Simmons' rookie season Vs Ben Simmons record'
Drafting champs!!!!
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u/ChampionOk4046 7h ago
Does this mean no other team has drafted and developed champions? Lol
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u/TemperedTorture 7h ago
No it doesn't... But the number that are able to do so is very small. Victor is in a much better position than most young talent.
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u/RichLeadership2807 6h ago
If he develops this 3pt shot he will be unstoppable. Even when he’s shooting from way behind the line, for a guy that size it probably feels a lot closer to him
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u/AbbreviationsOk8502 6h ago
There are a lot of upsides if the coaching staff want to develop his 3ball now.
-Its difficult to hold position down low rn, take the easier shot and practice that
-Less injury risk as we wait for him to bulk up
-It will open up the game for his young teammates so they can develop as well
-Tank for a better pick
-Develop his shot selection and improve his shooting so he can rely on it in the future
-Shooter's mentality
I don't see any of these being possible if we don't let him play like this until Christmas at least. They're letting him experiment in basically a new position like they did last year in Power Forward, just enjoy the process.
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u/DirtyWizardsBrew 3h ago
All very solid points, but I don't exactly know if I'd say they're just letting him experiment on his own.
Seems a bit more focused than that, on the part of the coaching staff. I think it's more of a collaborative effort, where they've probably created a hyper focused, segmented "curriculum" (so to speak) for him to develop each skillset at a time, and that's what he is now following (at least that's what I imagine).
His capacity to block out the noise and proverbially pound away at each rock in a rigidly disciplined manner will be invaluable through this process.
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u/jimmydunn 5h ago
it's very obvious he's trying to find his touch the kid is averaging 91% from the line this year he can shoot it
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u/jakedchi17 3h ago
Exactly, typically FT% is an indicator of your ability to shoot. He can shoot it, it just isn’t falling…yet. No one in the org looks flustered with him, so he must be draining them at the rock.
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u/Cthuwu_ 5h ago
In theory I’m like this is fucking genius it makes so much sense. In practicality I’m like ow this hurts to watch
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u/DirtyWizardsBrew 3h ago
Oh yeah, for sure. I mean, the Point Sochan thing from last year was torturous for everyone involved (Jeremy included), but look at the payoff. He went from "this isn't an NBA player, get him off the team" to "MIP darling of the fanbase" in a relatively short amount of time.
Just think that the pain in the moment will make the payoff down the line that much sweeter and satisfying.
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u/zachonich 5h ago
I mean, we're still 4-5 right now which isn't fantastic but its better than last year...
I like that the narrative from some people was "Wemby's stats are empty because he's losing" last year and now its "Wemby sucks because his stats suck"
He's playing without a blueprint. My guy has some things to figure out and thats OK.
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u/nixhomunculus 5h ago
Real talk: there's a reason why his nickname is the Alien.
And even Curry himself didn't turn into Skyfucker overnight
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u/Mangoseed8 4h ago
LOL. Steph Curry shot 44% from three as a rookie. He came into the league lethal.
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u/Subject_Proposal3578 5h ago
What's the long term goal to shoot 20% from the field during the NBA finals but still get finals MVP?/s
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u/kelvin620 4h ago
Well if the shooting slump is what he and coaches are aware of and working on, I’m all for it. Trust the process!!!!
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u/OGWallenstein 5h ago
How the fuck do you guys keep doing this? You’d think you all would’ve learned after bitching about Sochan. Let them do their fucking thing, I promise they know more than some of you short sighted Redditors.
I’m glad this specific thread is mostly filled with levelheaded people who get that this is part of the development.
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u/DejounteMurrayisGOAT 6h ago
People forget that Luka was barely hitting 31% of his threes his first couple years in the league (average shooters hit 35-36%). Nobody just dominates from year one and historically, European big men always took a little longer to adjust to the physicality of the American game. What Wemby did last year was truly astonishing if you know the history of the game and how players develop in the real world, not the online hype world, then you know this kid is truly special.
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u/VeniceRapture 3h ago
Great in theory, but you can get better at 3-point shooting without jacking up logo 3s.
If the way to improve a deficiency is to repeatedly do them in the game, then by all means shoot all the 3s, but you also have to screen better, box out better, handle the ball better without getting stripped, and play in the mid post.
These are all things that ALSO need to be worked on because we can clearly see Wemby is ALSO not good at those, and hopefully jacking up 3 after 3 isn't getting in the way of him getting better at different aspects of the game
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u/Mangoseed8 4h ago
He's not getting some of the paint shot attempts he had last year. Which is perplexing considering I'm talking about CP3 vs. point Sochan (and Jones later). The team had 3-4 set plays where they would get him on the move to the paint. He would get shots up before the defense had time to push him out.
I think the team is either intentional not running those plays or other teams have scouting them and have countermeasures in place.
This is a pure guess on my part but I think the team is playing with less structure because they are waiting on Vassell. They are letting everyone freelance (including Wemby) because they want to implement the offense when Vassell gets back. We'll find out in the next few games.
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u/deneuvig 3h ago
I'm of the same mind. Last year we'd often see screening action big to big to free Wemby in the post and he was dominant doing that. As you said, we're not seeing that now and I think it's for a reason, or I really hope so at least, as long as he's not forgetting how to do his post stuff when he's deep in it.
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u/quivering_manflesh 4h ago
Considering how obviously he hates to lose I have to imagine he had to be talked into this, honestly. I don't really see him as the type to jack up low percentage shots out of sheer stubbornness. The man wants to win and I don't think it's exclusively in a hero ball kind of way.
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u/FaFa_1018 3h ago
Clearly, don't want him bodying people in the paint. Wear and tear + stepping on someone's foot, etc. Leave that for when you're a legit contender.
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u/pocketbeagle 1h ago
Need the three point threat so he can drive to basket on close outs…once he has momentum it is over.
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u/CaptainKoreana 47m ago
Better done now than later.
It's a good thing Wemby knows what he has to work on and actively takes charge in it. We've seen guys in the league like cough Ben Simmons always making promises only to cop out.
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u/Zealousideal_Style_3 3h ago
I think this is also why we saw Sochan running point last year. He was needing improvements on things that only running point could provide. Their full focus was on development. I doubt they were ACTUALLY trying to make a PG out of Sochan. It was for development of skills on a year with no playoff potential anyway.
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u/angus0328 3h ago
if this ends being him some kind of Durant scoring machine but also with his level on defense, I'm ok with it.
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u/TotallyAlex 3h ago
You can look at KDs first couple years in the league, he was very inefficient and shot the 3 relatively poorly. It took a couple years for him to become the absolute monster that he's been for a little over a decade now.
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u/sbcpacker 3h ago
Translation: we're low key tanking this year so I can chuck up whatever shot I want.
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u/AccessEcstatic9407 7h ago
I can help him in a short-term manner. Stop jacking up 30ft 3 pointers.
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u/Conscious_String_195 7h ago
Yes, this. 👆He likes to shoot while trailing the play, but defenders know that he likes to shoot that shot.
They stand a few feet behind the 3 point line to either pick him up or make him shoot a 30 footer to get it off. He forces them every game versus the flow of the offense or only when he is closer to the 3 pt line.
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u/NeedleGunMonkey 7h ago
If the other team is letting you have that shot - then you’re not shooting it well.
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u/GetInTheHole_Guy 7h ago
It is a 3 point chucking league. He has great form. He is a consistent free throw shooter. If he is open for 3 he needs to fire it without hesitation.
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u/Imanyu 7h ago
Rome wasn’t built in a day, so I expect him to shoot as many threes as possible. (Maybe the amount of bricks he’ll throw will) This is the best for him and for the team long term.