The San Antonio Spurs, a team with a rich history of success, seemed to have struck gold by drafting Victor Wembanyama, the most anticipated prospect since LeBron James. Wembanyama’s debut in the 2023-2024 NBA season started with a bang, showcasing his dominant abilities and making him a frontrunner for the Rookie of the Year award.
However, the SA Spurs’ decision to experiment with Jeremy Sochan as a full-time point guard has raised questions about the team’s direction and Wembanyama’s growth.
Why Victor Wembanyama is Struggling with Jeremy Sochan?
Jeremy Sochan, selected ninth overall in 2022, was known for his defensive prowess and playmaking ability. Yet, his full-time role as a point guard has been less than ideal.
With an average of 4.4 assists and 2.3 turnovers per game, Sochan’s offensive limitations have become apparent. His struggle to create scoring opportunities for both himself and Wembanyama has been a significant issue. The lack of a true point guard has left Wembanyama to fend for himself, with 24.7% of his field goals being unassisted.
The Contrast: Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren
Chet Holmgren of the Oklahoma City Thunder has emerged as a strong contender for the Rookie of the Year, benefiting from a more complete team around him. This contrasts starkly with Wembanyama’s situation, where his achievements are in spite of the team’s deficiencies. Wembanyama’s need for a genuine point guard is evident, as only 47.4% of his shots are open or wide-open, compared to over 51% for Holmgren.
San Antonio Spurs’ Back-Court Conundrum
The SA Spurs’ roster boasts talents like Zach Collins, Keldon Johnson, and Devin Vassell, who can complement Wembanyama’s game. However, the absence of a seasoned point guard is glaring. Sochan’s natural position as an off-ball forward seems more suited to his skill set. His current role as a primary ball-handler highlights his offensive shortcomings, particularly his shooting and ball-handling abilities.
Victor Wembanyama, bien plus efficace en attaque avec Tre Jones en meneur que Jeremy Sochan 📊
Cette stat’ est sortie hier pendant le match Warriors – Spurs, et Popovich ne semble pas vouloir changer ses plans : du tanking côté Spurs ? pic.twitter.com/49aUI3tiO6
— First Team (@FirstTeam101) November 25, 2023
Could the San Antonio Spurs Trade Victor Wembanyama?
The San Antonio Spurs’ offensive rating dramatically improves when Wembanyama plays without Sochan, according to Cleaning the Glass. This suggests a need to rethink Sochan’s role and consider introducing a true point guard into the starting lineup. Such a change would not only benefit Wembanyama’s development but also enhance the team’s overall performance.
Conclusion: A Crucial Decision for SA Spurs’ Success
The San Antonio Spurs are at a crossroads. To maximize the potential of their star rookie, Victor Wembanyama, they must address the point guard situation. Jeremy Sochan, while a talented player, may be better suited in a role that plays to his strengths. The team’s future success could hinge on how quickly and effectively they can make this strategic shift.
