Yardbarker
x
San Antonio Spurs 2026-27 Preseason Preview
Oct 14, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Devin Vassell (24) celebrates with center Tarris Reed Jr. (10) in the second half at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images

San Antonio Spurs 2026-27 Preseason Preview

Originally posted on The Lead  |  By Brittnee Jones  |  Last updated Oct 16, 2026 8:47 PM ET
Google Add us as a preferred source on Google

The San Antonio Spurs had an incredible 2025-26 season. The franchise drafted Dylan Harper and Carter Bryant; the team went on impressive winning streaks; Keldon Johnson won Sixth Man of the Year; and Victor Wembanyama won Defensive Player of the Year (his first unanimous win). During the playoffs, they defeated the Trail Blazers, the Timberwolves, and the Oklahoma City Thunder to punch their ticket to the Finals. The Spurs had the ingredients to bring the franchise their sixth title. However, that dream ended in an upset when the Knicks beat them in the 2026 NBA Finals, 4-1. Fans have pondered what went wrong in the Finals. Especially since the team started each game with impressive leads. The main contributing force was not keeping their foot on the gas throughout the series against a hungry team like the Knicks. With the 2025-26 season behind them, the Spurs have their focus set on 2026-27 with a clear goal in mind: reach the NBA Finals for a second consecutive time. Their summer has been straightforward; the roster remains intact with a few additions and changes. The Spurs bid farewell to Sean Sweeney and welcomed Billy Donovan as the lead assistant coach. The 2026 NBA Draft ushered in rookies Tarris Reed Jr., Jayden Quaintance, Maliq Brown, and Ja’Kobi Gillespie. Each player brings something unique to the team. The vibes are running high amongst the 2026 Western Conference Champions. Knowing the climb to the 2027 NBA Finals will be difficult, the Spurs approach this season with high hopes, determination, and drive.

Team’s Biggest Offseason Loss: Not A Player?

This could be a stretch. Looking back on the offseason changes, finding a loss on the Spurs has been difficult. The best phrase to summarize it is “if it’s not broken, then don’t fix it.” The team did not suffer a loss that could impact their game plan going forward. The only notable loss is the departure of Sean Sweeney, the lead assistant coach. Sweeney was hired as the head coach for the Orlando Magic on the brink of the NBA Finals.

This move was inevitable, as Sweeney’s talent was too incredible to remain an assistant coach. Former Bulls head coach Billy Donovan was hired as the new lead assistant coach.

Team’s Biggest Offseason Addition: Tobias Harris

The Spurs didn’t make a lot of noise this offseason; however, many believe Tobias Harris could be a surprisingly beneficial factor for the organization. Needing another power forward, the Spurs signed Harris to a two-year/$31 million deal in July. This signing works for a couple of reasons: he gives the Spurs another solid veteran presence, and he is entering his 16thseason, with nine of those including playoff experience. Lastly, he’s versatile with his shooting, rebounding, defense, shot creation, and ability to play multiple frontcourt roles—a much-needed signing.

Spurs’ Best-Case Scenario Outcome

The best-case scenario for the Spurs? Becoming the 2026-27 Western Conference Champions, punching their ticket to the NBA Finals, and winning the Championship. That’s the Spurs’ ceiling. Based on offseason moves, media-day conversations, and early training-camp observations, the Spurs are predicted to finish top two in the Western Conference with a 63-19 record. They can do this by building an elite defense, accelerating Harper and Castle’s development, staying healthy, building chemistry, and continuing to develop Wemby into an MVP-style leader.

Spurs’ Worst-Case Scenario Outcome

If injuries hit and become a hindrance, the chemistry loses its spark, this young core fails to develop, or the backcourt struggles to find its identity, this season will take a turn for the worse.

Injuries happen; it’s nearly impossible to avoid. This is considered a nightmare scenario. If any key players miss significant time, the Spurs risk losing consistency, chemistry, and confidence. That’s what teams need to win an NBA Championship.

If the Spurs struggle with consistency, shooting, and decision-making, their near-perfect young core will lose the foundation it built last year. Wemby, Harper, Castle and Bryant have the potential to be legends. So maintaining this core’s development matters.

An interesting note from the Spurs rotation is that they have three star point guards. Fox, Harper, and Castle will compete for the most minutes this season. While it’s a good problem to have, the coaching staff must develop a game plan that maximizes all three players.

Biggest Questions Ahead of the 2026-27 Season

The Spurs’ biggest question ahead of the season is whether they’ll bring the same fire, drive, determination, and confidence that helped them reach the NBA Finals last season. The realization is that the Spurs couldn’t keep the momentum up to win the title. While it stings, it’s time to move on and put the focus on the 2026-27 season. Other teams are even hungrier for the same goal. Rosters have changed, and teams have made adjustments. The Western Conference Champions will need to be ready on night one.

The season kicks off on October 20 against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

This article first appeared on The Lead and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

Yardbarker +

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA.