San Antonio Spurs’ Fate Rests On Victor Wembanyama

The San Antonio Spurs’ fate rests on Victor Wembanyama. Here’s why Wembayama, 21, matters so much in San Antonio, Texas.

San Antonio Spurs’ Fate Rests on Victor Wembanyama

Victor Wembanyama is the primary reason why San Antonio Spurs fans and media members are optimistic for the upcoming 2025-26 NBA season. Wembanyama was officially cleared in mid-July to resume basketball activities after he recovered from a deep vein thrombosis, a blood clot, in his right shoulder.

Wembanyama’s services can make or break the team. They have been receiving help from Point Guard De’Aaron Fox, who was acquired during last season’s trade deadline, and rookie Guard Stephon Castle, who’s the reigning Rookie of the Year, but Wembanyama’s stellar defensive skills, physical skills, and shooting ability give him an edge.

Spurs’ Outlook With Wembanyama

San Antonio’s outlook with Wembanyama appears to be bright. He can help the team climb as long as he returns to the court, plays like himself, and stays healthy.

However, the Spurs’ season in 2025-26 can go haywire if injuries strike again — especially to Wembanyama. Spurs Head Coach Mitch Johnson will take over from former Head Coach Gregg Popovich. Johnson, 38, led the Spurs to a 34-48 finish last season after Popovich, 76, suffered a mild stroke. Johnson may still be adapting to a learning curve, but we’ll see what happens.

Final Thoughts

The San Antonio Spurs boasted one of the NBA’s best defenses with Wembanyama on the floor last season. Wembanyama’s presence made a huge difference.

When Wembanyama was off the floor, even for a few minutes, opponents quickly found the layup line at the rim. San Antonio’s offseason moves addressed this glaring issue with the signing of Center Luke Kornet and the trading for Power Forward Kelly Olynyk. Only three other NBA players ranked better than Kornet, now 30, in terms of rim defense. Wembanyama was one of them.

Wembanyama will enter year 3, which may be nerve-wracking for Spurs fans. The team would like to end a six-season playoff drought, the longest in franchise history, soon. If the team has 40+ wins by the end of the season and is competitive for the Play-In Tournament, this would be a success.