West Notes: Spurs, Victor Wembanyama, Mavericks, D’Angelo Russell, Wolves

Spurs center Victor Wembanyama is already a defensive game-changer. That much is obvious.

What is less obvious is how San Antonio builds around him. ESPN’s Tim Bontemps noted that the guard trio of De’Aaron Fox, Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle is sure to be a work in progress. All three are talented, but none are reliable shooters, and the fit alongside Wembanyama is one of the biggest questions people around the league are asking.

That leaves plenty on the plate for first-year coach Mitch Johnson. Wembanyama could carry the Spurs higher on his own brilliance, but with so many uncertainties, Bontemps views the safer bet as the under on San Antonio’s win total.

Mavs face uncertainty: Dallas may be one of the league’s most fascinating storylines. The arrival of Cooper Flagg, massive lineup combinations, the continued fallout of the Luka Doncic trade and Kyrie Irving’s recovery from a torn ACL all factor in.

For now, D’Angelo Russell is the only reliable ball handler on the roster, and he is best suited as a backup. Pair that with Anthony Davis’ health concerns — he already dealt with a groin injury and then had eye surgery this summer — and Bontemps writes that topping 44 wins in the West is a tall order.

Wolves fighting history: Minnesota has topped 51 wins only twice in franchise history, in 2004 and 2024. The Wolves reached the West finals last season, but still only won 49 games.

Bontemps pointed out that losing Nickeil Alexander-Walker in free agency puts more pressure on youngsters like Terrence Shannon Jr. and Jaylen Clark. Naz Reid re-signed on a five-year, $125 million deal, but he cannot replace Rudy Gobert defensively if Gobert misses time. Rob Dillingham, last year’s lottery pick, is still a question mark behind Mike Conley.

The Wolves remain dangerous behind Anthony Edwards, Julius Randle and the coaching of Chris Finch, but surpassing last year’s win total will be tough in a loaded conference.

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