After nearly a decade in the league, Pat Connaughton has a keen sense of what it feels like to have an open shot. During a game between his Milwaukee Bucks and the San Antonio Spurs in early January, Connaughton found himself in a familiar situation. With Giannis Antetokounmpo drawing a double team and passing to Brook Lopez, Connaughton’s defender, Julian Champagnie, scrambled to cover him.
Knowing that Lopez would pass the ball his way, Connaughton only needed a few feet of separation to take his shot. However, his attempt was met by the 7-foot-4 rookie, Victor Wembanyama, who defied expectations by blocking the shot high in the air.
This disruptive play by Wembanyama challenges the traditional understanding of open shots and space in the NBA. With his ability to contest even the most open of shots, Wembanyama is forcing players to reconsider what it means to have a clear look at the basket.
Players like Connaughton, Grayson Allen, and Kyrie Irving have all experienced firsthand the impact of Wembanyama’s presence on the court. His unique ability to disrupt shots, both at the rim and beyond the arc, has created a new challenge for shooters in the league.
As teams prepare to face Wembanyama, they must adjust their strategies and shot selection to account for his extraordinary defensive prowess. For Connaughton, this may mean adopting a different shooting style to counteract Wembanyama’s imposing presence.
In a league where offensive players have dominated the floor, Wembanyama’s arrival signifies a shift in the balance of power. By reaching heights previously unseen, he is forcing players to adapt and rethink their approach to scoring in the NBA.
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(Photos: Mark Blinch, Ronald Cortes / Getty Images. Illustration by John Bradford / The Athletic)