Spurs Remain Optimistic With Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle, De'Aaron Fox Leading Charge

The San Antonio Spurs have emerged as one of the most promising rebuilding NBA franchises, bolstered by the rapid development of 2023 No. 1 overall pick Victor Wembanyama and a growing core of young talent. Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs, NBA

Wembanyama was on pace to earn All-NBA honors and the league’s Defensive Player of the Year award in his second season before a medical setback ended his campaign early. The 20-year-old center was diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder, sidelining him indefinitely.

Despite the premature end to his season, Wembanyama’s performance throughout the year reaffirmed his standing as one of the league’s most impactful two-way players.

If Wembanyama returns at full strength in 2025-26, the Spurs are expected to carry significant momentum into the next season.

San Antonio’s optimism is also fueled by the emergence of guard Stephon Castle, who is widely considered the frontrunner for Rookie of the Year. The 6-foot-6 playmaker has provided the Spurs with backcourt stability and defensive versatility, complementing Wembanyama’s presence in the paint.

In addition, the Spurs made a major in-season acquisition by adding point guard De’Aaron Fox. The former Sacramento Kings star requested a trade and cited San Antonio’s long-term potential as a key factor in his decision. Fox is expected to provide an experienced scoring option and reliable pick-and-roll partner for Wembanyama.

ESPN’s Tim Bontemps ranked the Spurs as the league’s top rebuilding situation in March, citing their combination of elite young talent and organizational direction.

With Wembanyama, Castle, and Fox forming a foundational trio, San Antonio appears poised to return to playoff contention in the near future.

The biggest question now is who will coach the team next season. Gregg Popovich’s status is iffy after suffering a stroke and there’s no word on if interim man Mitch Johnson would be the permanent replacement.