Despite losing the ball, Spurs trust Victor Wembanyama as a creator

With 17 points on 66% shooting, 8.8 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 blocks in just 20 minutes averaged over five preseason games, Victor Vembanyama reminded why he is one of the most anticipated players of the season. But amid these impressive statistics, one figure raises questions: 23 turnovers for 20 passes.

The relationship is far from flattering, but one that does not really worry the Spurs ranks.

“As a creator, I have a feeling he’s going to do a wonderful job.”, openly assures his teammate Keldon Johnson. “That will put us in a great position to succeed.” He’s our guy. »

Deprived of De’Aaron Fox, but also Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper in some matches, the Frenchman found himself with more responsibility with the ball in his hand, in sometimes unusual roles. Which partly explains the concern.

“He’s improved a lot”explains Julian Champagnie on the art of passing the French. “He makes very good decisions. Even the mistakes he makes are unselfish. They’re not mistakes where he’s trying to do something crazy or anything like that. He’s trying to pass the ball, to be open to the player, and that’s what you want to see, especially as a teammate.”

Fewer turnovers?

Where in the past “Wemby” could sometimes attempt overly ambitious or hasty passes, his turnovers in the preseason looked more like a lack of automaticity, for less ill-advised “turnovers.”

Another area to watch: his high dribbling and his tendency to systematically go to the right. The habit of making his opponents read well, especially when he picks up the ball. Isaiah Jackson didn’t hesitate to press him very high during the matchup against the Pacers, causing several turnovers.

But at Spurs we remain extremely confident. And the players’ state of mind continues to inspire the locker room.

“He wants to pass the ball, he wants to win” however concludes Julian Champagnie. “He wants everyone to participate and we have to do a good job of helping him do that.”

https://vvv.youtube.com/vatch?v=EFGkK7TGbEg

How to read statistics? MJ = matches played; Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive jump; Tot = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; Points = Points.