NBA Preview 2025/26: Is it Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs' moment of truth?

Juan López | Fri, 10/10/2025 - 17:00

Victor Wembanyama, star of the San Antonio Spurs.

After several years of reconstruction, the San Antonio Spurs finally seem ready to make a competitive leap in the 2025-26 season. Following a 2024-25 season marked by missing the playoffs (34-48 and thirteenth in the West), the Texas franchise arrives with an interesting mix of youth, generational talent, and veteran reinforcements.

Everything once again revolves around Victor Wembanyama, the player expected to lead Gregg Popovich's team — now under the guidance of Mitch Johnson — back to NBA elite status. The Frenchman, recovered from health issues that sidelined him at the end of the previous season, faces the challenge of leading a Spurs team that, for the first time in years, seems to have the necessary pieces to compete for a postseason spot.

The San Antonio team aims to build its identity around defense, its major pending task. With Wembanyama as the anchor — leading the league in blocks per game in his first two seasons — the goal is to regain solidity at the back and turn his individual impact into collective results.

The coaching staff has worked on strengthening the roster with complementary players who enhance the Frenchman's strengths, while the arrival of new prospects and veterans solidifies the rotation. If the chemistry among the stars solidifies and injuries spare the group, the Spurs could once again step into playoff territory for the first time since 2019.

Summary of the previous season (2024-25)

Record: 34-48 (13th in the West, missed playoffs)
Offensive rating: 113.5 (19th)
Defensive rating: 116.3 (25th)

Summer acquisitions

Additions: Luke Kornet, Kelly Olynyk, Lindy Waters III, Dylan Harper, Carter Bryant, David Jones-García
Departures: Chris Paul, Malaki Branham, Blake Wesley, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Kam Jones, Charles Bassey, David Duke Jr.

The big question: Is Wembanyama ready?

The Frenchman's performance will determine the team's fate. After a summer of intense work alongside legends like Hakeem Olajuwon and Kevin Garnett, Wembanyama arrives prepared to dominate. His defensive commitment remains the core of the project, and his presence on the court radically alters the team's ability to contain the opponent. With him, the Spurs were one of the top eight defenses in the league; without him, one of the worst.

The goal is to build a solid structure around him. De'Aaron Fox, acquired in the previous market closure and now a central piece alongside the Frenchman, must find the balance between playmaking and scoring. His ability to generate pace and disrupt passing lanes will be crucial, although he will start the season nursing a muscle injury. Devin Vassell, Stephon Castle, and rookie Dylan Harper will provide physicality and versatility on the perimeter, while Jeremy Sochan and newcomers Kornet and Olynyk will reinforce the interior play and defensive coverages.

Offensively, improvement lies in better utilizing Wembanyama's size and skills. Reducing forced outside shots and getting him closer to the basket could significantly boost the efficiency of a team still struggling with outside shooting. Developing the connection with Fox will be crucial to defining this squad's offensive ceiling, where Castle and Harper are expected to bring energy and unpredictability.

Ideal scenario

Wembanyama completes a season without injuries, reaches MVP level, and Fox establishes himself as his perfect partner. With a defense among the top ten and a more balanced offense, the Spurs would reach 50 wins and return to the playoffs with home-court advantage.

Worst-case scenario

Injuries and lack of cohesion hinder progress. If Fox doesn't fit in or the young players fail to deliver, San Antonio could fall short again and finish another season below the 50% win rate.