Anthony Edwards and Victor Wembanyama shooting more threes: a good or a bad thing?

Anthony Valmoria
Nov 9 2024

The NBA today is a long-range shooter’s league. The 3-point shot is now the foundation of most offenses and most teams rely on it to create more scoring opportunities and generate space on the floor. Over 18 teams are shooting more than 36 threes per game 10 games into the season, a notable jump from just 12 last year as teams lean heavily into analytics and allow players to adapt in order to maximize spacing and scoring efficiency. 

Two generational prospects, 2020 no.1 overall pick Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves and 2023 no.1 overall selection Victor Wembanyama in particular, are two budding superstars taking the league’s 3-point trend to new heights. 

Last year, the Boston Celtics won the NBA Finals by breaking the all-time 3-point rate record. This season, the Minnesota Timberwolves rank third in the league for 3-point field goal frequency with 48.6% of their shots coming from deep – almost half their shots. Edwards is a big proponent of this being tied for 2nd in the league in three-point attempts at 11.6 per game. This has led Minnesota to the 9th ranked offensive rating in the league even when they lost stretch big Karl-Anthony Towns who was one of their main weapons from beyond the arc. 

Wembanyama himself has stepped into this 3-point-heavy style, molding his game according to the current modern NBA trend. Despite shooting poorly at just 23%, Wembanyama already has attempted 62 threes. Including his 23 mid range attempts, this would total to 85 shot attempts outside the paint, a staggering number compared to the 53 shots he’s taken inside the paint and restricted area.

This has shown contrasting results to start both of their seasons. But as each of Edwards and Wembanyama embracing the perimeter game, the question is written on the wall: are they sacrificing the skills and natural physique that make them special?

For Edwards, increased shooting gives him more room to operate and makes defenses respect his jumper. But by prioritizing long-range shooting, is he leaving his best attributes behind—attacking the rim and creating contact? And for Wembanyama, who has a rare 7-foot-4 frame, there’s an expectation that he’ll dominate inside. But he, too, has embraced the 3-pointer, raising questions about whether he’s fully utilizing his size advantage.

Now in his 5th season, Edwards has become a high-volume 3-point shooter. He has taken more than half his shots from beyond the arc (104 out of 185 total) and is hitting them at an impressive 48% clip. Edwards’ three-point volume is reaching historical highs, as he now holds the third-best start to a season in terms of 3-pointers made just behind the greatest shooter of all time Stephen Curry with 50 in 9 games (50/104).

Most three-pointers in NBA history through 9 games:

  • 55 — Stephen Curry, 2018-19
  • 53 — Stephen Curry, 2023-24
  • 50 — Anthony Edwards, 2024-25

Edwards’ jump shooting has reached levels comparable to Stephen Curry’s historic seasons, a testament to his improved shooting skill and the willingness to take more this season. This might have a direct correlation to Edwards in his Olympic run where he mentioned that Steph has had the biggest influence on his game. He has made it to a point to shoot more threes, but has offered a simple yet encouraging response when asked about it: if the opponents keep going under the screen, he will take the three every time down the floor.

But as impressive as this may be, the question lingers: Will Edwards’ 3-point-heavy game ultimately help him develop as a player or take away from the strengths that make him one of the league’s most explosive finishers?

Known for his explosive drives, Edwards has always excelled at creating contact and finishing at the rim. His strength and athleticism make him a natural inside threat, where he can put pressure on defenses and draw fouls. However, with his increased focus on 3-point shooting, there’s a noticeable shift in his play style. Instead of attacking and putting pressure on the rim, he’s often stationed behind the arc, waiting to catch and shoot or set up a pull-up jumper.

In a recent game against the Mavericks, Edwards scored 24 points in the first quarter alone by finding space to shoot. But as Dallas adjusted, switching on screens and applying more ball pressure, Edwards struggled to create looks for himself inside. The lesson here? While his 3-point shot is an asset, his ability to drive to the basket remains his most reliable weapon.

That said, Edwards’ 3-point success does have significant upsides. With defenses now forced to respect his range, he has more freedom to drive or play-make, potentially creating even more scoring opportunities as teams spread out to cover him. This evolution may not take away from his strengths but instead enhance his overall game, giving him options that make him more unpredictable and difficult to guard.

Wembanyama, like Edwards, has shown a willingness to stretch his game out to the perimeter. At 7-foot-4, Wembanyama has the size to dominate the paint, yet he often operates from the 3-point line. While his shooting ability is impressive for a player of his size, it raises questions about whether he’s fully maximizing his physical gifts.

When he does work inside, his height and reach make him nearly unstoppable. However, by spending significant time on the perimeter, Wembanyama might be reducing his impact near the rim, where he has a natural advantage. As he adjusts to the NBA, striking a balance between perimeter shooting and inside dominance will be crucial for his growth and effectiveness.

With his shot not yet falling to start the season, perhaps it would be more beneficial for Wembanyama if he’s going to start to position himself inside and shoot over shorter defenders, or station near the paint for an easy bucket.

For both Edwards and Wembanyama, balancing their 3-point shot with their unique strengths is key to reaching their potential. Edwards embracing his rim-attacking abilities while using his newfound 3-point marksmanship could maximize his offensive power. For Wembanyama, leveraging his height in the paint with selective 3-point attempts could establish him as a multifaceted threat.

Anthony Edwards and Victor Wembanyama illustrate the NBA’s 3-point revolution, but both face the challenge of staying true to their best skills. Edwards shooting more threes may indeed provide new dimensions to his game, but it’s crucial he doesn’t lose his aggressive drives that make him a unique talent. And for Wembanyama, balancing his rare size with perimeter skills could make him one of the most versatile threats in the league.