In the previous NBA season, San Antonio Spurs phenom Victor Wembanyama was on a historic pace. The center was easily the frontrunner for Defensive Player of the Year and a lock to make an All-NBA team. The team’s win total started to climb, and the season looked like one full of great achievements for both Wembanyama and the Spurs. Unfortunately, due to a blood clot in his right shoulder, Wembanyama was shut down nearly halfway into the season. The team saw a drastic decline in play and missed the playoffs, finishing with a 22-60 overall record.
Wembanyama underwent a successful procedure to remove the blood clot on July 14. Since then, the 7-foot-4 Frenchman has done nothing but prepare for his 2025 campaign. Looking to dominate a full season of play, Wembanyama and the Spurs are poised to make a profound leap in performance. The franchise star will lead his team towards the playoffs and collect a vast amount of hardware along the way. Wemby will undoubtedly reign as one of the league’s top five players and make a serious case for MVP and Defensive Player of the Year.
Headed into year three, Wembanyama has all the tools necessary to make an MVP-caliber leap. His size and brilliant offensive game give him the highest ceiling of any player in the NBA. The center can dominate the paint at will and stretch the floor by knocking down shots from beyond the three-point line. Standing over seven feet tall, Wembanyama has an offensive arsenal that simply makes him unguardable. His skill set, paired with his newfound experience and maturity, will make him one of the MVP favorites headed into the season.
Alongside the All-Star’s offensive arsenal is his imposing defensive presence. Wembanyama has been a Defensive Player of the Year candidate every season, and next season should be no different. The center led the league in blocked shots with 176, despite being shut down in February. Accompanying his elite shot-blocking talent is his elite perimeter defense. Wembanyama is exceptional at holding guards at the perimeter and moving his feet quickly, a skill that most seven-footers lack in the modern NBA. Though the center may not be tasked with guarding all five positions regularly, he is capable of doing so for crucial defensive possessions. Fans should expect Wembanyama to continue his stretch of dominance on the defensive side of the floor. If he can remain healthy all season, the center will be a strong favorite for the Defensive Player of the Year award.
Entering his third season, the Spurs have placed high expectations on Wembanyama’s shoulders. The franchise star will look to exceed those expectations and have his best season yet. His statistics will improve, and he will remain a candidate for the league’s highest awards. Barring injury, Wembanyama will take a superstar leap in his third season and finally bring the Spurs back to the postseason where they belong.
