In today's preview, we take a look at the Spurs, a young team that seems primed to take a leap on the back of their dynamic young superstar Victor Wembanyama
Last season when Victor Wembanyama entered the draft the hype was at a fever pitch. What this prospect from France could do felt out of this world, something that would be the unrealistic concoction from an NBA 2K created player. In this very real player, we had incredible size (7’4”), elite shot blocking, shooting ability, and a capability to create off the dribble. In every sense of the term, Wembanyama has exceeded already lofty expectations.
In his first season he racked up accolades: Rookie of the Year, All-Rookie 1st Team, All-Defensive 1st Team, led the league in blocked shots, and was second in Defensive Player of the Year voting. The numbers were just incredible as well: 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 3.6 blocks, and 1.2 steals per game. He shot 32% from three, which is not amazing but the threat of it as a high usage big man is worth acknowledging. In short, Wembanyama has been better than advertised.
His first season in San Antonio was frustrating for many that aren’t diehard Spurs fans. The team did not have a true point guard to start the season, instead experimenting with Jeremy Sochan at that position for 37% of his minutes (Sochan played 0 minutes at point guard the previous year). Despite this, Wembanyama shined. And even though the Spurs only won 22 games, it became clear that this team will get better quickly because their young star is that good. So this off-season, the Spurs realized that the time to get him more help was now, instead of relying on the hopes of developing young talent alongside him.
In the Draft, the team drafted UConn guard Stephon Castle, who had some moments in the NBA Summer League that make you think that he could be a good pro. In addition to this, they added two NBA veterans that can help guide Wembanyama and the young Spurs moving forward: Harrison Barnes and Chris Paul. Barnes has spent the last six seasons in Sacramento and was a consistent and vital piece to that team’s emergence as a contender in the West. A consistent 15 point per game scorer that shoots close to 40% from three is a valuable asset to add to a matchup nightmare like Wembanyama.
With the Chris Paul signing, the Spurs have fully addressed their point guard issue. Castle will be the player of the future, while Paul will log minutes in the immediate future and provide mentorship and leadership to the Spurs young guards. Many people have opinions about Chris Paul, but what cannot be denied is that he has shown veteran leadership in his stops since he left the Clippers. The most glaring example of this is when he spent a year in Oklahoma City and helped to provide leadership and guidance to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Luguentz Dort en route to a playoff appearance.
By adding Paul, it can be assumed that players like Devin Vassell and Keldon Johnson will get better looks to convert at a higher efficiency, which will open up more avenues for Wembanyama to be a dynamic scorer on offense and continue his progression as a top defender in the league. I do not think that it is too far-fetched to suggest that he might be the best interior defender in the entire NBA next season, a testament to his rare abilities and keen instincts on that side of the ball. The shooting efficiency still needs to improve, but it is also worth remembering that he is only 20 years old and will continue to improve.
The Spurs despite getting a little older with Barnes and Paul are still a very young team. Most of their key pieces are under 25 years old, which means that there will be mistakes and there will be more growing pains. But it is also very obvious that this is a team on the rise, and rising quickly in a crowded Western Conference. The elephant in the room with this team’s development is the track record of injury with players that are Wembanyama’s size. Once the 7’2” threshold is crossed, typically the wear and tear of the long NBA season starts to show up. For basketball fans everywhere, let’s hope that this is not something that Wembanyama or Spurs fans need to worry about any time soon.
Last season, the Spurs had the fifth worst record in the NBA, ahead of only Charlotte, Portland, Washington, and Detroit. It is safe to say that the Spurs have a much brighter outlook than all of those teams combined, because they have an emerging superstar. This team is going to be much better this season, and they are going to win a lot of games. They could be in position for a Play-In spot especially as the Lakers, Warriors, and Clippers continue to age. Alongside Houston, New Orleans, and Memphis, I would expect the Spurs to be a team on the rise.
As for Wembanyama, he only got better as the season progressed and he adapted to the NBA game. I am expecting his scoring and efficiency to improve, for him to be the frontrunner for Defensive Player of the Year, and to even receive a few MVP votes when it’s all said and done. The Spurs were a bad team last season, I would not expect them to be one for many years to come. They have fallen into their next generational talent, and they will be back to contending for titles sooner than we all may think.
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