The San Antonio Spurs were one of the biggest surprises of the 2025-26 season. Much of their success is due to Victor Wembaneyama’s rise to superstardom earlier this year. He has faced criticism for his playing style, but the team wants him to be himself.
Victor Wembaneyama was arguably the most impressive player in the NBA to begin the 2025-26 season. Even before he was selected by the San Antonio Spurs in the 2023 NBA Draft, many basketball fans were already excited about Wenbanyama’s potential to become the best player in the league.
This season, Wembaneyama seems intent on becoming one of the league’s top superstars. He has performed well as a dominant force on both ends of the floor. Some argue for Wenbanyama’s unique style of play, as he can do almost anything on the court.
Some criticize the league’s tallest player for taking too many threes, while others lament that he minimizes his potential by always staying in the paint. He can’t please everyone, so coach Mitch Johnson wants the Frenchman to focus on himself.
Many playing styles have become more prevalent in the NBA. Bulky point guards have become the norm these days, with players like Luka Doncic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander becoming the league’s best playmakers.
The same can be said about the rise of three-point shooting and “accidental basketball” over the past decade, spearheaded by Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors. Players with unique playing styles are rare these days, but Wenbanyama is one of the most unique stars in NBA history.
Wembaneyama is the tallest player in the league at 7 feet 5 inches. Most people would think of him camping in the paint, waiting for post-ups on offense and blocking shots on defense. Wenbanyama is not like that. Because he’s a mobile big man who can put the ball on the floor and put it in the bag like a guard.
Many critics have pointed out holes in his game, especially when he leans toward one archetype over the other, such as shooting too many jump shots. That’s not a concern for Johnson and his coaching staff. He wants his superstar center to continue playing the way he wants.
“I thought the threes felt good, I thought they were decisive, I thought we had the rhythm. A lot of threes are going to be shot, a lot of threes are going to be out. I hope he continues to make shots…I think it’s just a balancing act,” Johnson said after the Spurs’ win on Saturday.
“He shoots threes, but everyone wants to get him closer to the rim, closer, and everyone wants to know why he can’t shoot threes. He just has to let the game play out and keep asking what the game can do for him, because there’s a lot he can do.”
As one of the most prominent superstars in NBA history, Wembaneyama will continue to fight for himself. He should not be limited to one role as it would detract from his unique profile.
He is a big guy at 7 feet 5 inches tall and can mix dribbling and shot making. Wenbanyama continues to learn from the best in the industry, so he is well-equipped to continue moving forward.
Johnson, Gregg Popovich, and the rest of the Spurs organization want to get the most out of their superstar talent. He shouldn’t be limited to being a pure center. Because that’s not his true nature. Wenbanyama is a player who will support his growth, and he needs to receive more encouragement from those who want him to succeed.
Thankfully for Spurs fans, the Spurs have a great organization that is committed to winning. If they create a certain profile for Wenbanyama, it cannot allow him to reach his full potential as a star player. As long as he can express himself through his style of play, anything is possible for the Spurs.