Victor Wembanyama, the towering 7-foot-3 center for the San Antonio Spurs, is proving himself as not only a dominant scorer but also a key playmaker, showing incredible growth in his second NBA season.

On December 13, 2024, during a thrilling 118-116 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers, Wembanyama delivered an all-around performance that solidified his reputation as one of the most versatile players in the league.

Before the game, Portland's head coach Chauncey Billups spoke highly of Wembanyama's development, particularly his growth as a facilitator. Billups emphasized how well Wembanyama understands his teammates and his ability to make plays for others. This insight turned out to be spot-on, as the young French player not only scored a team-high 28 points but also dished out 7 assists—marking his fifth game this season with 7 or more assists. His ability to create opportunities for others was a crucial factor in the Spurs' comeback win.

Wembanyama's playmaking ability was showcased earlier this season as well, particularly in a game against the Sacramento Kings on December 1, where he recorded a career-high 11 assists, contributing to a triple-double performance with 34 points and 14 rebounds. His 3.9 assists per game so far this season, tied for second on the team, reflect his growing comfort in facilitating the Spurs' offense. Only Chris Paul, with 8.4 assists per game, has a higher assist average than Wembanyama on the Spurs.

What's most remarkable is that Wembanyama's assist numbers are not just a result of stat-padding. As Billups pointed out, it's clear that the 20-year-old is becoming more aware of his offensive opportunities, the strengths and weaknesses of his teammates, and how defenses are adapting to him. Wembanyama has learned to take advantage of defensive strategies and pass to open teammates, making his team better overall.

In Portland, Wembanyama's passing set up several key plays, including an impressive assist to Blake Wesley in the third quarter. Wembanyama's ability to read the defense and make the right pass, such as during a screen-and-roll situation where he found Wesley for a layup, shows that he is maturing into a complete player. These plays are a testament to his court vision and his understanding of the game, both of which have improved significantly this season.

Another crucial moment came when Wembanyama delivered a behind-the-back pass to Wesley, who then assisted Harrison Barnes for a three-pointer. This sequence highlighted not only Wembanyama's skill but also his willingness to make the extra pass, creating opportunities for his teammates to score. His unselfish style of play and his ability to slow down the pace of the game, as noted by his teammate Barnes, are signs of a young player evolving into a true leader.

As Wembanyama continues to learn and grow, his ability to pass out of double teams is expected to improve even further. Spurs' interim coach Mitch Johnson believes that this aspect of his game will only get better with experience. Wembanyama himself expressed his desire to become a more complete playmaker, understanding that when defenses collapse on him, it opens up opportunities for his teammates. His goal is to not only score but to involve everyone in the game, which, as he puts it, is the best way to win.

Looking at his performance this season, Wembanyama is proving to be far more than just a scoring machine. His transformation into a leader on the court, capable of managing the game and making his teammates better, marks a significant step in his development. With continued growth, there's no doubt that he will continue to impact the game in profound ways, making the San Antonio Spurs a more dangerous team than ever before.