As the basketball world continues to buzz about Victor Wembanyama, the 7-foot-3 French phenom who has taken the NBA by storm, a seasoned veteran has stepped forward with advice that could transform Wembanyama’s game. LaMarcus Aldridge, a former San Antonio Spurs star known for his lethal mid-range game, has shared a piece of wisdom that might just unlock Wembanyama’s full potential on the court.
Aldridge, who played one of the most fundamentally sound offensive games during his time in the NBA, appeared on the popular “All The Smoke” podcast with Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson. The seven-time All-Star didn’t hold back in offering his candid thoughts on Wembanyama’s early performances and what he believes the young star needs to do to elevate his game.
According to LaMarcus Aldridge, Wembanyama’s biggest asset—his vast array of skills—could also be his biggest obstacle. “He is so skilled, I would just break his sh*t down and be like, get a move that, if it’s the fourth quarter, you are gonna go to it,” Aldridge said. The former Spurs forward emphasized the importance of having a go-to move that a player can rely on when the game is on the line.
LaMarcus Aldridge elaborated on his point by referencing his own career. “My sh*t was always my fadeaway. Beginning of the game, end of the game—it didn’t matter. And it helps you stop thinking so f*cking much. End of the game, you’re too skilled. You’re trying to think, ‘Do I want to do this, do that, do this?’ Get one move, where it’s like, I don’t care who’s guarding you. You know what I’m saying? And build off that sh*t.”
LaMarcus Aldridge lays out the blueprint to unleash Wemby as a scorer 🔑Catch episode 212 with LA on YouTube: https://t.co/oCHMPCbtv3 pic.twitter.com/Ek6Ub0IGTo— All the Smoke Productions (@allthesmokeprod) August 8, 2024
For LaMarcus Aldridge, his fadeaway jumper was his bread and butter, a move so reliable that it became nearly unguardable. Standing at 6-foot-11, Aldridge’s height allowed him to shoot over defenders with ease, and his mid-range game became a staple of his success. Wembanyama, towering at 7-foot-3, possesses a similar height advantage over most opponents, which could make him even more unstoppable if he hones in on a couple of signature moves.
The advice couldn’t come at a better time for Wembanyama, who is currently navigating the intense scrutiny that comes with being one of the NBA’s most hyped prospects. Under the tutelage of legendary coach Gregg Popovich, Wembanyama has the opportunity to develop into a generational talent, much like Tim Duncan did during his time with the Spurs. Duncan, known as “The Big Fundamental,” mastered the bank shot under Popovich’s guidance, turning it into one of the most effective weapons in his arsenal.
Wembanyama, for his part, seems eager to heed Aldridge’s advice. In a recent interview with HugoDécrypte – Grands formats, Wembanyama expressed his desire to develop his own go-to moves. “To have a repertoire of more concrete moves because there are many things I am comfortable with, but I would like to have more go-to moves, we call it moves that we make in a way automatic. Which we master perfectly,” he said.
As Wembanyama and the French national team prepare to face Team USA in the gold medal game of the Paris Olympics, all eyes will be on the young star. Wembanyama’s performance in the semifinal against Germany was solid, with 11 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 blocks, but the real test will come against the stacked American squad. With the French crowd behind him, Wembanyama has the chance to prove that he can rise to the occasion on the biggest stage.
However, the pressure will be immense. Team USA, led by NBA superstars, is a formidable opponent, and the Americans are known for their ability to shine in clutch moments. For Wembanyama, this could be the perfect opportunity to put Aldridge’s advice into practice. If he can simplify his game and rely on a couple of unstoppable moves, he could very well lead France to a historic victory on home soil.
In the world of professional sports, the difference between good and great often comes down to execution under pressure. LaMarcus Aldridge’s advice is a reminder that sometimes, less is more. For Victor Wembanyama, mastering the fundamentals and developing a reliable go-to move could be the key to unlocking his full potential and cementing his place as one of the NBA’s elite players.
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