Are we hypercritical of Victor Wembanyama because we expect more?

[@Mandozen]

I think people are putting him under a microscope because he's one of the few players who lived up (and some would even say exceeded the expectations) in their rookie season. Also, I think people expected him to play a certain way but the Spurs and him went on a different route. I think we have to understand that player development doesn't happen overnight. Wemby is skilled but he is not without flaws. People wants him to play on the paint more but instead he chose to develop the other skills that he was lacking in like his midrange and his 3-point shooting. We already know what he can do on the paint so him choosing to develop a jumper this early on in his career is actually a good move for him. Having a jumpshot is less wear-and-tear to his knees in the long run. Also, he's still very skinny at this point to camp out on the paint on both sides of the court for an 82-game season. He already roams all over the paint on the defensive end, so I can understand if the Spurs want him to be more of a perimeter player on the offensive side of the court. Whether it's because they want to protect him from injuries or simply because they want him to develop his perimeter game, I think it's fine. They really don't need to risk him to injuries in year 2 of rebuild with him, especially since the team is still not ready to contend even in the west. I'm not one of those people who expected him to average 30 ppg and be in the MVP convo (which he is in the MVP ladder tho and last time that I checked, he was 10th). I think he is on the right path and the team is on the right path, BUT this team is still not a contender especially if you compare them to the rest of the top teams in both conferences. My hopes for them is a play-in team at best. That's what they are mainly projected in before the start of the season. This team is not a contender until they address the weaknesses of this team like another 3nD wing and a back-up center. They don't even have a head coach right now and they're still a .500 team (albeit 11th seed). Same time last year, this team was on an 18-game losing streak and they didn't even get their 5th win until like January. So, this team is fine for now. Let the young guys continue to develop and let the vets continue mentoring them. But the FO have a lot to think about tho and their next draft picks have to hit. They need another 3nD wing and a back-up center that can defend whenever Wemby's off the court while also getting buckets.

[@MichaelAruba]

So many people are VERY hypercritical of him. Yes, he has the potential to do unimaginable things... But he's still a 20 (soon to be 21) year old sophomore. I think anyone who was paying close attention knew he wasn't going to come in and dominate day 1. He was a raw talent coming in and still needs so much work. But even at this stage he's incredible. The notorious "sophomore slump" doesn't seem to be affecting him even though he had a short off season because of the Olympics. He's still doing Alien things while learning and growing right before our eyes. This dude is special and I think seeing his prime is well worth the wait. The Spurs are slow cooking and the championship meal is going to be delicious.

[@nimocash3535]

I think everyone underestimates his stamina. Because of his size, the guy has a limited engine and needs to take breaks. He's being asked to attack, rebound, and block all at once-it's exhausting.

[@aspleen1102]

Stamina can be improved. The best way to improve it is going 101% and find new energy (endorphins) after beeing tired. (it need 45 minutes of constent running, without pausing) But he didn't do that this offseason sadly. The safest way is to swim a lot (again without pausing for >45 min) to avoid any injuries. But again, he didn't do that....

[@EliasLehtonen-z2n]

This! And he is still only a sophomore, it will get better in coming years I would guess

[@andrewcassels5576]

The engine or motor required to be a defensive anchor and offensive focus is massive. Very few players ever have done it. He is 20, is marked by the other teams best and strongest defender, usually double teamed, never left alone, first player to get boxed out, involved in 80% of our offensive sets. It's alot for a 20 year old that gives up weight and strength in most of his matchups. It's actually insane how active he is.

[@HighlanDre4573]

If the Spurs will not compliment Wemby properly with high calibre teammates available with upside instead of a waived perennial loser, then maybe he won't get bored and never opts in the future for better team for earlier championship...

[@Ebriel0000000]

Wemby isn't american. He doesn't consider "succeeding" the same way than many american players do. When he was 10, he wore a Spurs jersey because playing in this particular team was his dream. Sure he wants rings but he knows even the greatest players need time and hard work. Spurs have many first round picks in the future and the organisation is good : they will do what is necessary to build a dynasty... exactly like they did before. Wemby knows he is in the right place. He doesn't need to be a contender as a sophomore : a play-in (or play-off) seed will be enough this season because West is loaded.

[@HighlanDre4573]

@Ebriel0000000 he's a winner in mindset, we've seen it in the Olympics of how he really wants it, and that's always a champion mind... the ball is round, it is always anybodies ballgame... as i see it, don't make him bored because nowadays the loyalty means nothing for the NBA players...

[@Ebriel0000000]

@@HighlanDre4573 His mother's family is in french aristocracy since 11th century : he knows what "belonging" means... because he was educated this way. Wemby didn't find a team, he found a family, he didn't choose a city, he chose a people. Spurs have a tradition : be sure he loves that.

[@HighlanDre4573]

@Ebriel0000000 what he loves is to win, and not to be a loser..

[@HighlanDre4573]

​@Ebriel0000000 and by the way, Tony Parker, the French national was drafted in 2001 then already champion in 2003...