Victor Wembanyama has conquered almost everything — but former NBA champion sees one concern

Victor Wembanyama has already reached the point where opponents know he can dominate. The bigger question is whether he can maintain that dominance when playoff pressure, fatigue, and defensive adjustments pile up.

That is why Iman Shumpert's recent comments stood out. Rather than focusing on skill development, he highlighted areas that separate stars from champions.

As Shumpert put it, "he needs to work out with Tim Duncan this summer. Watch Dirk Nowitzki and Kobe Bryant highlights so next time he’s in a high pressure situation he’s ready. And improve his defensive principles because it goes away when he’s tired."

Iman shumpert says that Victor Wembanyama needs to work out with Tim Duncan this summer and watch Dirk Nowitzki and Kobe Bryant highlights so next time he’s in a high pressure situation he’s ready, and improve his defensive principles because it goes away when he’s tired pic.twitter.com/DfOupUvCLI

Each suggestion targets a specific challenge. Duncan represents efficiency and economy of movement, traits that helped him dominate for years without wasting energy. That is why Shumpert specifically said Wembanyama "needs to work out with Tim Duncan this summer."

Nowitzki and Bryant represent something equally important: performing under pressure. Playoff defenses eventually eliminate easy opportunities, making shot creation and composure essential. Shumpert's advice to "watch Dirk Nowitzki and Kobe Bryant highlights so next time he’s in a high pressure situation he’s ready" reflects the value of having reliable answers when games tighten.

But the most important part of Shumpert's message may have been on the defensive end.

He noted that Wembanyama's defensive habits can slip when fatigue sets in. In Shumpert's words, he needs to "improve his defensive principles because it goes away when he’s tired." Opponents have consistently tried to exploit that by forcing him into extra movement and pulling him away from the basket.

That should be encouraging for Spurs fans.

Wembanyama already averaged 25.0 points, 11.5 rebounds, and more than three blocks per game while winning Defensive Player of the Year. The conversation is no longer about talent. It is about refining the details that turn MVP-caliber players into championship leaders.

Shumpert's advice was not a critique of Wembanyama's game. It was a roadmap for the final steps of a player who may already be closer to complete than the rest of the league wants to admit.

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