30 Teams in 30 Days: Spurs Thrive with Victor Wembanyama Leading the Way

The offseason is a time for athletes to rest, recover, and prepare for the upcoming season. It is a time to focus on strength and conditioning, work on individual skills, and set goals for the upcoming year. While it may be a break from competition, the offseason is just as important as the regular season in terms of overall development and improvement. It provides an opportunity for athletes to reset, refocus, and come back stronger than ever. So, make the most of the offseason and use it as a time to elevate your game and elevate yourself as an athlete.

Re-signing: Charles Bassey, Sandro MamukelashviliAdditions: Harrison Barnes (trade), Chris Paul (free agent)Draft: Stephon Castle (No. 4 pick), Juan Nunez (No. 36), Harrison Ingram (No. 48)Departures: Dominick Barlow (Hawks), Devonte’ Graham (Trail Blazers)Unsigned free agents: Cedi Osman

Last season

The euphoria of landing a generational Draft pick didn’t last very long during a season worth celebrating only because of Kia NBA Rookie of the Year Victor Wembanyama. Otherwise, it was dreary: The Spurs lost 26 of 28 games from late fall to mid-winter with a roster lacking experience and talent. They finished 22-60 and fell back into the Draft lottery. Wembanyama was one of the league’s better players post-All-Star break, so there’s that.

Summer summary

Chris Paul is 39, could have attached himself to a title contender and rode that into the sunset. Either those opportunities weren’t significant enough, or Paul just wanted to be a part of something different. Such is the case when a player of his status seizes the chance to play on a rebuilding team next to Wembanyama and under Gregg Popovich.

Maybe the most important role for Paul is grooming his successor, who could be Stephon Castle, the No. 4 overall pick at this June’s draft. He was a heady point guard for UConn, once again the national champions, and considered the best available player at his position. Castle is fortunate to have a mentor with so much to offer.

Rookie Profile

Spotlight on

In his few years on the job, GM Brian Wright made moves with an eye toward the future. Among other Draft capital, they own the Hawks’ 2025 unprotected first-rounder in a Draft that projects as rich. They have six potential first-rounders through 2031 and three options for swaps. These will be beneficial once they’re contending with Wemby and unable to Draft in the lottery, but will Wright expedite the process by trading those picks for immediate help? He surrendered the No. 8 pick (Rob Dillingham) to Minnesota for more future capital.

How far can the Spurs go?

Once again they project as one of the league’s youngest teams even after adding Paul and 32-year-old Harrison Barnes, so this should be yet another developmental year for the club. Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson, Jeremy Sochan and others are still working on their resumes while Wembanyama looks to take a serious star turn in Year 2.

Speaking of resumes, the winningest coach in NBA history will absorb another (potentially) losing season. Popovich says the challenge of grooming younger players keeps him motivated and refreshed, and this time he’ll have Paul around to help. But the Spurs need to keep progressing to fend off any concerns about Popovich, who turns 76 on Jan. 28, and his bridge to the future.

Previously: Memphis Grizzlies

30 Teams in 30 Days: Complete schedule

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Shaun Powell has covered the NBA for more than 25 years. You can e-mail him here, find his archive here and follow him on X.

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