Many of the biggest criticisms of Victor Wembanyama after the San Antonio Spurs’ 2026 NBA Finals loss to the New York Knicks focused on his lack of a go-to move and tendency to settle for contested jump shots.
If the Spurs’ recent practice footage is any indication, the superstar big man appears to be making a concerted effort to refine his offensive repertoire. A clip of Wembanyama incorporating Dallas Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki’s signature one-legged fadeaway jumper went viral, fueling optimism that the 7-foot-4 French phenom can reach even greater heights in Year 4.
NBA World Buzzes As Victor Wembanyama Showcases ‘Dirk Fade’
Wembanyama has lived up to the hype and then some through three seasons, establishing himself as the league’s most imposing defensive force and defying the odds to secure his first Finals berth at age 22.
Still, Wembanyama has plenty of room to grow and appears to be maximizing every opportunity to do so this offseason. According to The Athletic’s Jared Weiss, since San Antonio’s disheartening 4-1 Finals loss, he has “spent more time working with Hakeem Olajuwon, who helped him build out his post game last summer.”
Wembanyama has also “gathered a large portion” of his Spurs teammates, including De’Aaron Fox, Dylan Harper, and Stephon Castle, in Paris this week for a “midsummer minicamp.”
A clip of Wembanyama converting a “Dirk Fade” in San Antonio’s practice sessions went viral, with Weiss noting that it marks “an important step in one of his main offseason training priorities: developing a more robust post game.”
Victor Wembanyama busting out the “Dirk Fade” in practice 🔥
(Via @spurs) pic.twitter.com/EOVyoaGKn7
— NBABase (@TheNBABase) August 5, 2026
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The thought of Wembanyama utilizing his lanky frame and 8-foot wingspan to consistently gain separation and shoot over his opponents on the block with ease had the NBA world buzzing.
“If he masters this, it’s game over. As unstoppable a shot as the sky hook,” one X user reacted.
if he masters this, it’s game over. as unstoppable a shot as the sky hook. https://t.co/ra1DvJuQ6p
— Jimmy Butlerian Jihad (@NBACouchside) August 6, 2026
“Yes, lord. Wemby finally adding the Dirk and KD fadeaway in the middy,” another celebrated.
Yes lord wemby finally adding the dirk and KD fadeaway in the middy https://t.co/vyH80rTEAW pic.twitter.com/VeumnLx56Y
— Valar Morghulis (@ThaGodThanos) August 6, 2026
“Wemby about to be indestructible,” one observer predicted.
Wemby about to be indestructible… pic.twitter.com/IkGIQXa6SV
— Al Gore Rhythm ✨💫🌟👨🏾💻 (@BajanRebel) August 6, 2026
“I been saying he needs to be able to operate in that midrange, especially after these playoffs! He needs a go-to shot that isn’t a straight-line dunk all the time,” another exclaimed.
I been saying he needs to be able to operate in that midrange especially after these playoffs! He needs a go to shot that isn’t a straight line dunk all the time 🔥🔥
— Swish (@Swishcantmisss) August 6, 2026
“It’s so over for the Western Conference,” one more declared.
It’s so over for the western conference
— Wem🍌 (@wem_bee) August 5, 2026
Across 64 appearances in the 2025-26 season, Wembanyama averaged 25.0 points, 11.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 3.1 blocks, and 1.9 3-pointers per game on 51.2/34.9/82.7 shooting splits.
With improved post play, more decisive offensive decision-making, and a potential bread-and-butter move, he could elevate himself to a nightly 30-point scorer and further boost the upstart Spurs’ 2027 championship odds.
