SAN ANTONIO — Victor Wembanyama, the 7-foot-4 French phenom of the San Antonio Spurs, continues to impress since joining the NBA in 2022 with his rare combination of shooting, defense, and basketball IQ. Despite his well-rounded skills, former NBA star Kevin Garnett believes Wembanyama must focus on developing his post game to reach an even higher level of dominance.
Known for his perimeter shooting and defensive versatility, Wembanyama has shown flashes of brilliance on both ends of the floor. But Garnett, a Hall of Famer with experience as an elite post scorer, sees a key area where the young star can add more to his offensive arsenal.
Kevin Garnett Highlights the Importance of Post Moves
The conversation about improving Wembanyama’s post game picked up after Garnett was observed training with the Spurs forward. Garnett, formerly of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Boston Celtics, openly respects Wembanyama’s talent, describing him as
“a rookie looking like he’s a two, three-year (veteran). Looking like he’s a guard.”
Garnett’s admiration led the two players to meet and work out together, with Garnett wearing a Boston Celtics hoodie honoring Bill Russell and Wembanyama in his workout gear. ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins also backed the move, emphasizing Garnett’s underrated skill as a post player.
“Kevin Garnett is somebody he needs to be working with,”
Perkins said,
“because he was an underrated post player who doesn’t get enough credit for his bag and what he was able to do on the low block.”
—Kendrick Perkins
Across his 21 NBA seasons, Garnett averaged 17.8 points, 10 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game, underscoring his consistent production near the basket. Both Garnett and Wembanyama have the ideal height and length to be dominant inside, yet Wembanyama has leaned more toward long-range shooting so far.
Wembanyama Embraces His Shooting While Eyeing Simplicity
Wembanyama has never been shy about his preference for shooting from distance. Early in his second season, he rhetorically questioned,
“Stop shooting? Never.”
—Victor Wembanyama
His confidence as a three-point shooter is likely to grow, particularly under Spurs coach Mitch Johnson, who supports Wembanyama’s offensive approach. However, as Wembanyama continues to develop, there is an emphasis on adding straightforward scoring methods, particularly in the post.
Johnson noted that when Wembanyama executes simple moves well, the results are often spectacular. Perkins agreed, drawing parallels to Garnett’s skill set:
“When you think about what Wemby could do at 7-foot-(4) consistently, using that body frame to do those turnarounds … K.G. was one of those. He mastered the fadeaway.”
—Kendrick Perkins
Wembanyama’s Unique Background Adds to His Basketball Intelligence
Off the court, Wembanyama’s interests include chess, reading, and LEGO building, reflecting a thoughtful and cerebral approach to life and basketball. He follows a disciplined routine, going to bed at 9 p.m. daily, and has trained under Shaolin monks in China, experiences that enhance his mental and physical conditioning.
These qualities give Wembanyama a foundation for growth as he works to diversify his scoring options through a polished post game, balancing his natural shooting ability with inside presence.
Potential Impact on Wembanyama’s Career Trajectory
Developing a reliable post game could elevate Wembanyama’s influence on both ends of the court, making him less predictable and harder to defend. With mentorship from Garnett and continuous support from coaches and analysts, he is positioned to become one of the most versatile and dominant players in the NBA.
As Wembanyama enriches his offensive repertoire while maintaining his perimeter threat, the Spurs foresee a future where he shapes the game at an elite level, combining skill, size, and savvy in ways few have before.