There’s belief within the NBA that the San Antonio Spurs and Victor Wembanyama can’t maintain their hot start to the 2025-26 season.
“I’d bet on the Spurs falling off,” a Western Conference scout told ESPN’s Tim Bontemps and Brian Windhorst. “I’d be shocked if Victor plays 82 games. His body just isn’t built for that.”
The Spurs have opened the year with a record of 8-3, attempting to advance to the playoffs for the first time since 2019. They’ve looked sharp on both ends of the floor, owning the fifth-best net rating in the league (via NBA.com).
As for Wembanyama, he’s quickly establishing himself as a superstar. He’s averaging 26.2 points, 13.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists and a league-leading 3.6 blocks per game.
Wembanyama has also posted a career-high 61.1 true shooting percentage.
While the Spurs may not end the regular season atop the West standings, they should find themselves in the postseason mix with veteran guard De’Aaron Fox and a young core that includes Stephon Castle, Dylan Harper and Devin Vassell.
Wembanyama’s health could determine where San Antonio ends the year, as he’s already appeared in all 11 regular-season contests. He played in 71 games as a rookie, but was limited to just 46 appearances last season due to deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder.
For now, he appears to be on the way towards earning his second consecutive All-Star nod.