SAN ANTONIO — Former San Antonio Spurs big man LaMarcus Aldridge has some simple advice for rookie Victor Wembanyama to make his on-the-court life a lot easier: Get a go-to move.
Aldridge was a guest on Showtime's "All The Smoke" show hosted by Matt Barnes and he gave his assessment of Wemby's NBA start.
In a nutshell, he opines that the rookie center has too many moves he can go to during the game that it clouds his mind.
Aldridge suggested Wembanyama just stick to one go-to move to use at any point of the game and find to also get a counter move.
"He's so skilled," said Aldridge. "Get a move that if it's fourth quarter, you're going to go to it. Get one move that it's like I don't care who is guarding you then build off that."
"He's got 18 different moves in his head and he's playing too fast right now. Slow yourself down and get two moves to go to."
Wemby's NBA career is just beginning but at 19 years old, he's already a force on the court.
He's currently averaging 18.3 points per game along with 10.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 43% shooting, and 3.0 blocks.
That is an incredible stat line for a rookie and incorporating Aldridge's advice will do wonders for his NBA development. After all, Aldridge did have that hard-to-guard fadeaway mid-range shot.
Perhaps the Spurs rookie can develop a sky hook a la Kareem Abdul Jabbar or a fadeaway mid-range jump shot like Aldridge.
As for Aldridge, he has stated he would not shut the door on joining the Spurs coaching staff and helping mentor Wemby.
Adding a multiple NBA All-Star big man to the player development coaching staff like Aldridge can only help Wembanyama and the rest of the young Spurs.
He led the team to four straight playoff appearances (2016-19) and is recognized as one of the best NBA forwards during his playing days.
His signature mid-range shot plus his basketball IQ at the position would do wonders for Wembanyama's NBA learning curve.
It wouldn't be a complete surprise if the Spurs were to extend the invitation to join the coaching staff.
Former Spurs like Ime Udoka, Manu Ginobili, Monty Williams, Tim Duncan (one season as a Spurs assistant coach), and even Becky Hammon (San Antonio Stars) all have contributed to Pop's staff after their playing days.