Every year, there is one team that makes a significant jump from the lottery to the inner depths of the playoffs. Each of them features a ready-to-launch young star, an added co-star, and a potent cast of role players. After a busy summer, the Spurs have precisely that. They are no different from the pole vaulting teams of years past. However, the internet consensus doesn’t seem to agree.
In a recent article on NBA.com by author John Schuhmann, the Spurs were ranked 10th in the Western Conference hierarchy. Despite the moves they have made and a fully healthy Victor Wembanyama returning, the Spurs were left as the last team to sneak into the Play-In tournament. Behind teams such as the broken apart Memphis Grizzlies and injury-stricken Dallas Mavericks, the Spurs warrant more optimism.
Victor Wembanyama’s defense is the key to success
You are trying to tell me the soon-to-be Defensive Player of the Year will be stuck in a road Play-In game? That won’t be happening. Get ready because the Spurs’ defense will be scaring teams off the court next season.
The defensive monster can single-handedly carry an NBA defense. Without even looking at what’s around him, the Spurs can rest assured they will have an upper-half defensive standing next season. The overwhelming favorite for Defensive Player of the Year, Wembanyama is capable of breaking down any offense.
But of course, Wembanyama is not alone. The reigning Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle looks to make a considerable impact defensively, while complementary players Jeremy Sochan and Luke Kornet pose as stout defensive threats. With these pieces, the sky is the limit for the Spurs’ defense.
Former speedy climbers like the Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, and Minnesota Timberwolves have risen in the standings because of their earth-shattering defense. If everything goes to plan, the Spurs will do the same.
The Spurs absurd depth will take them far
The other key ingredient to a successful regular-season team is depth. The NBA’s 82 regular season is a marathon, not a sprint. Injuries will happen, and stars will need rest. Because of that, having the right players to step up to the plate in these moments makes for a bona fide playoff squad. The Spurs check every box.
If Wembanyama misses time, in comes Luke Kornet. If De’Aaron Fox misses time, rookie Dylan Harper will be ready to rock. If Stephon Castle misses time, Devin Vassell and Keldon Johnson will be prepared to pounce on the opportunity.
The Spurs have a borderline playoff team on the bench. Each player on the bench unit is capable of starting anywhere else across the NBA. With this elite bunch of bench players, the Spurs will have consistent production for 48 minutes and 82 games; they won’t miss a beat.
Yes, the new-look Spurs have yet to prove themselves. But I don’t think they have to. It is blatantly obvious that this team will be successful; what’s the need for restraint? What do the Spurs’ middle-of-the-pack competition have over them? That’s right; nothing. So, go impress your friends by putting your eggs in the Spurs basket before it’s too late.