In the modern NBA, a 7-foot-4 superstar is usually expected to do one thing: dominate the paint and score 30 points a night. But the San Antonio Spurs, under the legendary Gregg Popovich and now coach Mitch Johnson, are doing something radical. They aren’t just using Victor Wembanyama as a finisher; they are using him as the primary offensive hub.
If you look at the 2025-26 tactical schemes, it becomes clear: the Spurs offense built around Wembanyama’s passing is the most dangerous weapon in basketball today. By shifting the focus from his scoring to his elite playmaking, San Antonio has created a “Positionless” nightmare for opposing defenses.
1. The Concept of “Vertical Gravity” vs. “Passing Lanes”
Most superstars have “Gravity”—they pull defenders toward them. Typically, this happens at the three-point line (Steph Curry) or in the paint (Shaq). Wembanyama has created a third category: Height-Based Playmaking Gravity.
When Victor stands at the high post or the “nail,” he can see over every single defender. While the defense is terrified of his 7’10” wingspan and scoring ability, Victor is actually looking for the weak-side cutter.
Why Passing Over Scoring?
Countering the Triple-Team: Opponents are throwing 2-3 defenders at Victor the moment he touches the ball in the post. By being a pass-first hub, Victor punishes the “help defense” before they can even recover.
Maximizing the Backcourt: With the addition of De’Aaron Fox and the emergence of Stephon Castle, the Spurs have elite slashers. When Victor acts as a passer from the top of the key, it opens up “Grand Canyon” sized lanes for Fox to drive to the rim.
2. Tactical Analysis: The “Point-Center” Evolution
The Spurs offense built around Wembanyama’s passing utilizes him as a “Point-Center,” a role pioneered by Nikola Jokić but enhanced by Victor’s sheer length.
The High-Post Hub
In the 2025-26 season, the Spurs have increased Victor’s “elbow touches” by 45%. From this position, Victor can:
Run DHOs (Hand-offs): He acts as a massive screen for shooters like Devin Vassell.
LOB Threats: Because he is so tall, he can throw “un-blockable” lobs to players like Jeremy Sochan.
Cross-Court Bullets: His wingspan allows him to throw one-handed skip passes to the opposite corner that 99% of NBA players cannot physically execute.
Comparison: Wembanyama vs. Traditional Centers (2025-26 Stats)
| Player Type | Primary Role | Defensive Response | Scoring vs. Passing Impact |
| Traditional Center | Rim Finishing | Drop Coverage | High Scoring / Low Assist |
| Wembanyama (2026) | Offensive Hub | “The Wall” (Triple Team) | Elite Passing / Gravity Scoring |
| Stretch Big | Floor Spacing | Close-outs | Perimeter Scoring |
3. The “Fox-Wemby” Synergy: A Tactical Masterclass
The mid-season trade for De’Aaron Fox in 2025 changed everything. Before Fox, Victor had to create his own shots. Now, the Spurs run a “Delayed Pick-and-Roll” that is nearly impossible to guard.
The Action: Victor sets a screen, but instead of rolling immediately, he “pops” to the free-throw line.
The Dilemma: If the defender stays with Fox, Victor has an open jumper. If the defender closes out on Victor, he uses his elite passing vision to find Fox for an easy layup or Dylan Harper in the corner.
This is why the Spurs offense built around Wembanyama’s passing is statistically more efficient than when he tries to isolate and score 1-on-1. According to Basketball-Reference, the Spurs’ Offensive Rating jumps by +12.4 points when Victor records 5+ assists in a game.
4. Breaking “The Wall”: How Passing Defeats the Zone
In late 2025, NBA teams started using a “Box-and-One” or a “Zonal Wall” to stop Victor from scoring. They essentially parked three defenders in the paint.
Victor’s response? He moved to the perimeter.
By acting as a “Floor General” from the 3-point line, he forces the “Wall” to come out and meet him. Once the defense is stretched thin, Victor uses his high-entry passes to feed Stephon Castle or Harrison Barnes. This tactical shift has turned the Spurs into a top-5 passing team in the league.
Expert Quote: “Victor’s ability to manipulate the defense with his eyes is what makes the Spurs offense built around Wembanyama’s passing so special. He isn’t just reacting to the defense; he is directing it.” — NBA Tactical Analyst.
5. The Future: A 7’4″ Magic Johnson?
As we look toward the 2026 playoffs, the league is realizing that Victor Wembanyama’s greatest strength isn’t his dunking—it’s his IQ. By building the offense around his passing, the Spurs have ensured that Victor doesn’t have to take a physical beating every night. It preserves his health while maximizing the talent of his teammates.
The Spurs offense built around Wembanyama’s passing is not a temporary experiment; it is the new standard of basketball.
Sam, a dedicated blogger, has immersed himself in the world of content creation for the past five years. His journey reflects a profound passion for storytelling and insightful commentary. Beyond the digital realm, Sam is a devoted NBA enthusiast, seamlessly blending his love for sports with his writing pursuits.