The San Antonio Spurs have improved by leaps and bounds this season, particularly on offense. They have wisely prioritized spacing this season much more than last year. The results have been night and day, with the Silver and Black ranking eighth in offensive rating.
They can attribute a lot of their [offensive success to superstar Victor Wembanyama](https://airalamo.com/tim-bontemps-makes-bold-victor-wembanyama-mvp-claim-spurs-fans-will-love), but not for all the reasons that one might think. Sure, he's averaging nearly 24.5 points on a ridiculous 58% true shooting, but he's also provided the team with plenty of spacing.
Few times have a shooter like Wemby playing center, and the ones that do aren't able to use them in the same ways. Wembanyama can shoot off the dribble, creating his own shot, especially when matched up against another big man.
He is also able to shoot off of screens and even in transition. This shooting versatility proves invaluable in terms of spacing.
Victor Wembanyama's 3-point shooting give Spurs a unique weapon
---------------------------------------------------------------
San Antonio's roster lacks great shooters, but with Wemby, they have a cheat code. Wemby's ability to space the floor and draw defenders out of the paint at center cancels out Stephon Castle's shaky 3-pointer.
As a result, the De'Aaron Fox, Castle, Devin Vassell, Julian Champagnie, and Wembanyama lineup has been scoring at elite levels. Teams have been unable to pack the paint or double Wembanyama without leaving a shooter open.
Even Wembanyama, himself, is able to leverage the spacing he provides. Defenders often aggressively close out on him when he has daylight. That gives him the opportunity to put the ball on the floor and attack closeouts.
Victor Wembanyama is changing the Spurs' offense with elite spacing
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Against guards and wings, that hasn't always worked. However, if matched up against a power forward or center, it can be especially effective.
After all, their size and slower foot speed often allow him to drive past them more easily. He has developed a potent pump fake, can side-step closeouts, and still knock down threes.
The Spurs are at their best when Wembanyama is able to play inside-out, scoring both inside and from beyond the arc. If he can continue to do so, then he could cause all sorts of matchup problems come playoff time.