Victor Wembanyama Just Became The Youngest Center In NBA History To Go For 50

Michael Gonzales. Getty Images.

You know, there's been a lot of hoopla lately around the idea that Victor Wembanyama shoots too many 3s. People getting all bent out of shape that he's not prime Shaq or something and instead playing like your modern 2024 NBA stretch big. Should he maybe sometimes remember he's 7'5 and just lay the ball in? Sure. But there's a reason Wemby is Wemby and why he's a basketball alien. 

You think he shoots too many 3s, he says watch me go for 50 by making 8 of em

Yes, this was against the Wizards. We all can acknowledge that disclaimer, but at the same time we're talking about 50 points in 27 minutes. Let's not pretend that's normal. In fact, it's historic

This is why you let Wemby be Wemby. He shoots a shit ton of 3s because nights like this are what's possible. After a slow start to his season Wemby has flipped the switch, and if those struggle days are behind us and nights like this are the future, well then we're all fucked. I know I say that every time he does some crazy shit, but what else can you say? He's doing this shit at 20 years old! He's only going to get better from here!

Is he going to go 8-15 from deep every night? Of course not, but that's not really the point. The point is he has the potential to explode like this, which means you have to legit guard him from 30ft. What that does to open everything up offensively cannot be overlooked, and then once you need to switch things up, you can utilize his height on the block. He's scheme-proof if this is the type of spacing he's going to be able to provide on a consistent basis. 

For those who may think this is just a fluke, I'll remind you that Wemby went 6-12 from deep in his last game and 6-9 in the none before that. This is simply what he does. He now has 5 games on the season of at least 4 3PM, which is nearly half of the Spurs games so far this season. We all wondered what Year 2 Wemby might bring to the table, and from the looks of things it's an improved outside shot that if you aren't careful can bury you on the way to a 50 ball. 

Good luck!