Victor Wembanyama’s leap into Year 2 in the NBA is about more than just adding 25 pounds of muscle. Yes, his physical transformation is impressive, but it’s his overall growth, focus, and potential that have fans and analysts alike buzzing. Standing at 7’4”, Wembanyama entered the league with the body of a skilled, lanky teenager but has worked tirelessly since his rookie season to become a more imposing presence on the court. This summer, he put in significant work, transforming himself from a rookie listed at 210 lbs to a towering 235 lbs, as revealed by the San Antonio Spurs’ training camp roster. His offseason dedication shows his hunger for improvement, with sources indicating that Wembanyama was laser-focused on basketball, even incorporating two-a-day workouts in preparation for both the NBA season and international competition.

While much of the attention has been on his physical growth, the more significant focus has been on what this means for his game. During interviews, when asked about the pressure of potentially becoming the best player in the NBA, Wembanyama remained nonchalant, simply stating that he focuses on his responsibilities and doesn’t feel the need to impress the media or the public. His cool demeanor shows maturity beyond his years, even when facing immense hype. Despite players like Kendrick Perkins predicting greatness on platforms like ESPN, Wembanyama seems grounded, setting his sights on developing his game rather than buying into the overwhelming expectations.

Wembanyama’s journey has drawn comparisons to other big men like Shaquille O’Neal. Like Shaq, Wembanyama entered the league as a phenom. O’Neal’s early years in Orlando showed the potential of a dominant big man, but distractions in Los Angeles, including rapping and acting, limited his career output despite winning four championships. Many analysts argue that Shaq could have been even greater had he stayed more focused. In contrast, Wembanyama’s recent transformation, including adding 25 lbs of muscle, indicates that he may be more locked in and disciplined, a trait that could lead him to surpass the expectations placed on him.

With the NBA preseason underway and the regular season just around the corner, there’s growing excitement about what Wembanyama can achieve in his sophomore year. Many are already speculating whether he could make the leap into the NBA’s top five players. His unique blend of size, skill, and versatility sets him apart, and his defensive potential is already being recognized. According to FanDuel, Wembanyama is the preseason favorite for the Defensive Player of the Year award, a testament to his potential impact on that side of the ball. His lead in the odds over other defensive stars like Jaren Jackson Jr. is staggering, even though some believe voters are just tired of consistently awarding players like Rudy Gobert, who ranks lower than expected in the odds.

Offensively, Wembanyama’s game is evolving. Last year, the Spurs experimented with different lineups, including starting Jeremy Sochan at point guard and Zack Collins at center. As the season progressed, Trey Jones took over the starting point guard role, and Collins was eventually benched. This change led to noticeable improvements in the Spurs’ offensive production. Wembanyama, with his combination of size and guard-like skills, had moments of brilliance, like beating Damian Lillard with a behind-the-back dribble and performing an insane self-lob off the glass. Still, this season, Wembanyama himself stated that he focused on honing the fundamentals during the summer. By leveraging his size as a mismatch and mastering the basics, he believes he can maximize his offensive potential.

One of the biggest storylines in San Antonio this season is the addition of Chris Paul and what his mentorship could mean for Wembanyama’s growth. While many see Paul’s arrival as the twilight of his career, the Spurs reportedly promised Paul a starting role, pushing Trey Jones to the bench. This veteran presence could be invaluable for Wembanyama, particularly in the pick-and-roll game. In their first preseason game together, Paul and Wembanyama showed flashes of what could be a dangerous partnership, with Paul’s elite passing ability perfectly complementing Wembanyama’s size and skill. Paul’s history of elevating big men, such as DeAndre Ayton, Tyson Chandler, and DeAndre Jordan, suggests that he could do the same for Wembanyama. With Paul feeding him the ball, Wembanyama could unlock new levels of offensive efficiency.

Financially, Paul’s signing with the Spurs also raises questions. Historically, Paul has always earned over $20 million per season, but this year, he accepted a deal worth $10.4 million, a figure that closely matches the mid-level exception. The flexibility of this contract suggests that if the Spurs struggle this season, they could potentially trade Paul to a contender, taking advantage of the new CBA rules. Teams like the Cavaliers, Pacers, and Grizzlies could easily absorb Paul’s salary, while other contenders like the Lakers, Nuggets, and Heat would need to maneuver to fit him under the cap.

As the Spurs look to the future, many analysts believe they are playing a long game. Despite bringing in veterans like Paul and Harrison Barnes, San Antonio’s front office is likely more focused on developing Wembanyama and building a championship contender over the next few years. With this year’s draft class, including potential stars like Cooper Flagg, the Spurs may be looking for another top pick to pair with Wembanyama. The 2024 draft could provide them with a legitimate number two option, setting the stage for a deep playoff run in the future.

Wembanyama’s individual journey is undoubtedly the highlight of the Spurs’ season, but the team’s overall performance could be underwhelming. With LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and other aging stars nearing the end of their careers, the future of the league will rest on players like Wembanyama, Luka Dončić, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. San Antonio is betting on Wembanyama to be the cornerstone of their next dynasty, but it may take a few years before they truly compete for championships.

In the meantime, Wembanyama could rack up individual accolades like Defensive Player of the Year or even an MVP, but the Spurs are likely eyeing the long-term horizon rather than immediate success. As the 2024 season unfolds, all eyes will be on Wembanyama’s development, both as a player and as a leader, as San Antonio continues to build for a brighter future.