San Antonio, TX — The NBA has never seen a player quite like Victor Wembanyama. The 20-year-old French center, standing at an unmatched 7’4″ with a wingspan of 7’7″, has redefined the modern big man’s role. But what if we told you he’s also evolving into something eerily similar to another generational talent: Stephen Curry?

The comparison isn’t just about height or shooting ability—it’s about gravity. The kind of force that bends defenses, alters spacing, and changes the very fabric of how a team plays. Curry did it from the perimeter with his unguardable jump shot. Wembanyama is doing it from the rim with a combination of size, shot-creation, and defensive dominance that leaves opponents paralyzed.

As the 2026 NBA playoffs approach, Wembanyama’s transformation into a two-way superstar—one who can shoot, pass, and alter shots from anywhere on the court—has NBA analysts and fans alike drawing parallels to Curry’s impact during his prime. The difference? Wembanyama does it all from a position that Curry could only dream of reaching.

The Numbers Behind the Comparison

Let’s start with the stats. Wembanyama’s 2025-26 season has been nothing short of historic:

Those three-point numbers might seem modest compared to Curry’s career averages (40.5% from deep), but consider the context: Wembanyama attempts 9.2 three-pointers per game—nearly double his rookie season volume. For a player his size to attempt that many threes is revolutionary. And when he connects, the results are often unstoppable.

In a recent Mundo Deportivo analysis, Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich described Wembanyama’s perimeter game as “a work in progress,” but one that’s already forcing teams to rethink their entire defensive schemes. “He’s not just a shot-blocker anymore,” Popovich said. “He’s a shot-creator. And when he’s on, there’s no one who can guard him.”

Why the Curry Comparison?

The parallels between Wembanyama and Curry go beyond statistics. Both players have:

• Unmatched shooting range – Curry from beyond the arc; Wembanyama from anywhere on the court, including mid-range pull-ups.
• Defensive gravity – Curry’s ability to force switches; Wembanyama’s sheer size making him a human wall.
• Playmaking impact – Curry revolutionized the point-forward role; Wembanyama is now averaging 1.8 assists per game while playing center.
• Generational influence – Both have altered how the NBA approaches spacing and defensive assignments.

The most striking comparison came from De’Aaron Fox, who played alongside Wembanyama during the Spurs’ playoff run. After a Game 5 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers (where Wembanyama recorded 17 points, 14 rebounds, and six blocks), Fox told reporters: “Those are the only two guys you see with that kind of gravity. Wemby and Steph. It’s not even comparable to anyone else in the league.”

The Tactical Revolution

Wembanyama’s evolution isn’t just about individual stats—it’s about how he’s forcing teams to adapt. Here’s how his game mirrors Curry’s impact but with a 7’4″ twist:

1. The Spacing Effect:
   • Curry’s shooting opened up the lane for Klay Thompson and Draymond Green.
   • Wembanyama’s shooting opens up the paint for Spurs bigs like LaMarcus Aldridge and Keldon Johnson.
2. Defensive Anchors:
   • Curry’s ability to switch onto guards made Golden State’s defense unpredictable.
   • Wembanyama’s size makes him a mismatch nightmare—opponents can’t just double-team him.
3. Playmaking from Unconventional Positions:
   • Curry redefined the point guard role by playing like a forward.
   • Wembanyama is redefining the center position by playing like a guard.

Gregg Popovich has embraced this transformation, telling reporters: “We’re not asking Victor to be a traditional center. We’re asking him to be Victor Wembanyama—someone who can do it all. And right now, there’s no one else in the league who can do what he does.”

What This Means for the Spurs and the NBA

The Spurs’ playoff run this season has been built on Wembanyama’s two-way dominance. His ability to:

• Shoot 6+ threes in a game while averaging 22 points.
• Lead the league in blocks while also contributing playmaking.
• Defend the rim at an elite level while also guarding perimeter players.

has made San Antonio a legitimate contender in the Western Conference. The team sits at 10-8 in the play-in tournament, with a real shot at making the playoffs—a feat that would mark a historic turnaround for a franchise that’s spent years in transition.

For the NBA, Wembanyama’s evolution represents the next frontier of the “positionless” basketball era. If he can continue developing his shooting touch, we could be looking at a player who combines:

• The shooting of Curry.
• The size of Hakeem Olajuwon.
• The defensive versatility of Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Looking Ahead: The Next Chapter

As the Spurs prepare for potential playoff matchups, Wembanyama’s role will only grow more critical. His ability to:

• Space the floor with his shooting.
• Protect the rim with his size.
• Initiate offense from the center position.

makes him the most exciting player in basketball today. And if he can refine his three-point shooting—currently at 33.6% on 9.2 attempts per game—he could become the most unstoppable force the league has ever seen.

Next Up for the Spurs

The San Antonio Spurs will look to close out their first-round series against the Portland Trail Blazers in Game 6 (if necessary) at 9:00 PM CT (02:00 UTC) on Saturday, May 31, 2026, at the AT&T Center. Wembanyama’s performance will be crucial in determining whether the Spurs advance to the second round.

Key Takeaways

• Wembanyama’s perimeter shooting and playmaking have drawn direct comparisons to Stephen Curry’s impact on the game.
• His 2025-26 season averages (22.1 PPG, 3.1 BPG, 1.8 APG) show a player evolving into a two-way superstar.
• Teams are struggling to defend him because he combines Curry’s shooting with a 7’4″ frame.
• The Spurs’ playoff hopes hinge on his ability to maintain this dual-threat role.
• If he improves his three-point percentage, he could redefine the center position forever.

One thing is certain: the NBA will never be the same after Victor Wembanyama.