2024-25 Team Preview: San Antonio Spurs

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Offseason
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.
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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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