The San Antonio Spurs are flying high after getting off to their best start in eight years, with superstar Victor Wembanyama playing a huge role in their early success. Even so, his numbers have dipped as the season has worn on and [with him now injured](https://airalamo.com/first-victor-wembanyama-injury-updates-include-hopeful-silver-lining).
He went from averaging 30-plus points per game over the first five games in the season to averaging 26.2 points per game now. That may be cause for concern for some, but perhaps it shouldn't be.
After all, the Spurs having so many offensive options has resulted in Wembanyama not always having to do the heavy lifting offensively. That can be both a gift and a curse. Against the Toronto Raptors, despite a surprisingly close game, he only needed to score 18 points.
However, against more competent teams such as the Chicago Bulls and the Golden State Warriors, he needed 38 points and 31 points, respectively. Depending on the level of competition, the Spurs may not need Wembanyama to carry the offense.
That will be put to the test with him out for two to three weeks. However, it will give other Spurs a chance to shine.
The Spurs have a stronger team around Victor Wembanyama
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Even so, when the game is close, San Antonio should absolutely put the ball in his hands. That mistake cost them the Golden State Warriors game, with them having four strip possessions where they went away from him late.
Going forward, San Antonio will have to figure out how best to juggle having Wembanyama, as well as De'Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle, who has emerged as a clear third option.
It'll take some time with Fox still working his way back and learning how to play alongside those players, but the potential was there for a potent offensive attack.
One potential way for that to happen is for coach Mitch Johnson to stagger Fox and Wembanyama's minutes so they aren't playing exclusively together.
The Spurs still need Wembanyama as their offensive focal point
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Having Fox play the first nine minutes of the first and third quarters and the four minutes that Wembanyama sits during the second and third quarters would give him around 16 minutes per game for him to lead the offense.
Fox has already shown that he can score in spurts, scoring 15 points and 10 points, respectively, in the second quarter of his first two games of the season. If he can take a backseat to Wembanyama when the two share the floor and cook when Wembanyama is out of the game, both players could still post big numbers without having to sacrifice.
Meanwhile, Castle and Dylan Harper can pick their spots, but the team's focus should be on getting Wembanyama easier shots and making teams pay when they load up on him.
Ultimately, the Spurs don't need Wembanyama to average 30 points with him having a strong supporting cast to rely on. However, against the best teams, the Spurs still need him to have the ball in his hands during crunch time to guarantee them success.