Spurs Preview: With Victor Wembanyama At Center Stage, Wait For Bigger Things Shouldn’t Be Long

Spurs Preview

A look at the San Antonio Spurs entering the 2024-25 season …

• Coach: Gregg Popovich
• Last Season: 22-60 (failed to make the playoffs)
• New Faces: Harrison Barnes, Chris Paul, Stephon Castle
• Key Losses: Devonte’ Graham, Cedi Osman, Dominick Barlow

Overview

Victor Wembanyama isn’t just the future of the San Antonio Spurs—he’s the future of basketball. That’s not hyperbole. At 7-foot-4, with guard-like skills and defensive instincts that could alter entire game plans, Wembanyama is set to become a force the league simply hasn’t seen before.

But as with any can’t-miss prospect, the question is always the same: Is he ready for prime time?

The NBA clearly thinks so. Why else would the Spurs suddenly be darlings of the national TV schedule? A team that won just 22 games last season now finds itself featured on Christmas Day and with 20 more games on national broadcasts.

The league wants Wembanyama front and center, and for good reason. When you’ve got a guy who can block shots, bring the ball up the floor, and pull up from three, you’re witnessing the next evolution of the game.

But here’s the kicker — the Spurs know Wembanyama alone won’t be enough to turn things around immediately. They’ve tried the “young team, find-your-way” approach, with mixed results.

Last season was all about experimentation, like converting Jeremy Sochan into a point guard. It didn’t work. So, what did San Antonio do? They brought in Chris Paul.

That’s right, the Point God himself, who, at nearly 40, may not be what he once was, but is still one of the best floor generals the game has ever seen.

Paul’s addition signals that the Spurs are done messing around. They know Wembanyama needs guidance, someone to feed him the ball in the right spots, someone to show him how to win.

You saw what Paul did in Oklahoma City and Phoenix, where he took young teams and turned them into playoff contenders. Now he gets to work with arguably the most talented player he’s ever teamed up with.

That pick-and-roll combo between Paul and Wembanyama? Good luck stopping that.

But it’s not all about the flashy names. San Antonio’s front office understands the importance of veteran presence, which is why they also brought in Harrison Barnes.

Barnes is that steady, no-nonsense pro who can shoot from deep and defend multiple positions. Think of him as the perfect wing to slot next to Wembanyama, Paul, and San Antonio’s other young pieces like Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson, and Sochan.

Granted, the Spurs aren’t built to contend this year. The Western Conference is loaded, and it’s going to take time for all these pieces to come together. But don’t be shocked if they start pushing for a play-in spot.

Wembanyama alone gives them a shot every night. When he shared the floor with a competent point guard last season, the Spurs were +5.2 in net rating per 100 possessions, which is better than the Knicks, who won 50 games.

Now imagine that, but with Paul running the show full-time. And that’s what makes this season so intriguing.

If Wembanyama makes the leap early and Paul stays healthy, San Antonio could surprise people. Best case? The Spurs find themselves knocking on the door of the playoffs. Worst case? They struggle, but with Wembanyama at the center of it all, they’re still better positioned than most teams.

In either scenario, the future’s bright. Wembanyama is still growing into his game, still finding out just how dominant he can be.

Even if things don’t come together this season, the Spurs are in good shape. Another high lottery pick next to Wembanyama? It wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world.

But one thing’s for sure — the NBA is ready for Wembanyama. The question is, how soon will Wembanyama be ready to take over the NBA?

If history tells us anything, with a player like this, the wait won’t be long.

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