The start of the 2025-26 regular season is almost here, and the San Antonio Spurs already look like a potential contender. They have shown off a balanced offensive attack with star Victor Wembanyama leading the charge while trying to add more to his already impressive game.
In fact, one interesting wrinkle that the Spurs have added to their offense has been using inverted pick and rolls featuring Wembanyama handling the ball. With Jeremy Sochan having yet to play during the preseason, the Spurs have made the most of his absence by playing Wembanyama along with fellow center Luke Kornet.
Victor Wembanyama in 16 minutes :
9 PTS, 10 REB, 7 AST, 3 BLKS, 3/3 FG pic.twitter.com/03vAs8PdOX
— Bala (@BalaPattySZN) October 7, 2025
The results have been intriguing, with Kornet setting several screens for Wembanyama, leading to easy baskets for Kornet. The goal, however, is to free up Wembanyama, who appears to be prioritizing scoring more in the paint this season.
The San Antonio Spurs must create easier shots for Victor Wembanyama
San Antonio not having De'Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle available during the preseason has forced the team to get creative. As a result, Wembanyama has been tasked with creating more from the perimeter, and as with most perimeter players, that requires using plenty of screens.
The goal isn't necessarily to have him become a pick-and-roll maestro, though that would obviously be a huge plus. Instead, the goal is to get him more experience playing with the ball in his hands facing the basket while also getting him higher percentage shots inside the paint.
Big men are used to dropping back and picking up the ball handler, but only after they come over the screen. However, by having them defend the ball and fight over the screen, it could potentially lead to confusion that Wembanyama could exploit.
Using Wembanyama as a pick-and-roll ball-handler is a cheat code
Wembanyama found Kornet three times for easy dunks in the preseason with him slipping the screen. That caught the opposing team off guard, leaving both bigs on the perimeter guarding Wembanyama.
The Spurs also had similar success last season with Sochan doing the same thing and Wembanyama finding him for several alley-oops. It's an interesting wrinkle that is made possible by Wembanyama having great court vision and passing ability, plus, yes, of course, the height to see over the defense and easily deliver passes.
That is also made possible by his shooting ability, with him being able to shoot off-the-dribble, forcing teams to come all the way out to defend him. As he becomes more comfortable playing with the ball on the perimeter, he should be able to use ball screens to drive into the paint. His long strides and length will allow him to get to the rim in just a few dribbles.
All told, the Spurs are clearly experimenting with putting the ball in Wemby’s hands and doing big-big pick-and-rolls. Using inverted pick-and-rolls will only help Wembanyama take the next big leap.