{"id":179962,"date":"2025-09-30T12:14:16","date_gmt":"2025-09-30T12:14:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/179962\/"},"modified":"2025-09-30T12:14:16","modified_gmt":"2025-09-30T12:14:16","slug":"spurs-media-day-fox-injury-grown-wemby-scary-days-ahead","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/179962\/","title":{"rendered":"Spurs Media Day: Fox Injury, Grown Wemby, Scary Days Ahead"},"content":{"rendered":"

SAN ANTONIO \u2014 Despite the slow crawl of the offseason, Spurs<\/a> media day finally arrived, setting the stage for the 2025-26 campaign. For the first time in nearly 30 years, Gregg Popovich was not on the podium as head coach. Instead, he observed from his new role as head of basketball operations, a reminder of a new era for San Antonio.<\/p>\n

Spurs Media Day: Fox Injury, Grown Wemby, Scary Days Ahead
\nFox Sidelined to Start the Season
\n\"SanMar 10, 2025; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard De\u2019Aaron Fox (4) points in the first half against the Dallas Mavericks at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

De\u2019Aaron Fox<\/a> confirmed he will miss the start of the regular season with a right hamstring strain. The injury occurred in July during offseason workouts in Las Vegas. The Spurs have downplayed its severity, but a target return date of November 1 was set, which means Fox will miss roughly five games.<\/p>\n

The setback comes months after Fox signed a four-year, $229 million extension. He was acquired from Sacramento last season and appeared in just 17 games for San Antonio before surgery on his left pinkie ended his year. Fox still averaged 19.7 points and 6.8 assists in that span.<\/p>\n

Here’s what Spurs guard De’Aaron Fox told me about his hamstring injury that is expected to keep him out of the season opener in Dallas. pic.twitter.com\/4xqtvTIftx<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Don Harris (@DonHarris4) September 30, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n

When combining his Kings<\/a> and Spurs stints, Fox averaged 23.5 points and 6.3 assists while shooting 46.3% from the field. His absence to start this season will test the Spurs\u2019 depth at guard, but the team will use the opportunity to assess No. 2 pick Dylan Harper<\/a> and sophomore Stephon Castle.\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n

Wembanyama Grows and Raises Expectations<\/p>\n

Victor Wembanyama<\/a> stole the spotlight during Spurs\u2019 media day when it was revealed he had grown an inch over the summer. The 21-year-old is now officially listed at 7-foot-4. More importantly, he has been fully cleared to play after his season was cut short last year by a blood clot.<\/p>\n

Wembanyama insisted the Spurs\u2019 defensive identity will set the tone. \u201cThis is a nonnegotiable. It\u2019s not something you can\u2019t do if you want to be a part of our team. We\u2019re going to hold each other accountable. We know the coaches are going to hold us accountable, and it doesn\u2019t matter your status, defense is a non-negotiable.\u201d<\/p>\n

Wemby on defense being a non-negotiable for every player on the team this season: https:\/\/t.co\/m4pa0soV9P<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/02S4jgK3FF<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Paul Garcia (@PaulGarciaNBA) September 29, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n

He also singled out Luke Kornet\u2019s<\/a> importance to the frontcourt. \u201cWith Luke, it\u2019s not even optimism; it\u2019s necessity. Our combination of both of us, or whether he\u2019s on the court or not, or if I\u2019m on the court or not, we\u2019ll need to have some of the best rim protection in the league for sure. The best.\u201d<\/p>\n

With Luke Kornet on the team, Wemby expects the Spurs to have one of the best defenses around the rim this season: https:\/\/t.co\/m4pa0soV9P<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/eCvqI3neuj<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Paul Garcia (@PaulGarciaNBA) September 29, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n

A Scary Defensive Core<\/p>\n

The Spurs have constructed a lineup with size, versatility, and toughness. Jeremy Sochan<\/a> and\u00a0Castle both highlighted the unit\u2019s potential. \u201cOur potential defense is scary,\u201d Castle said. Castle earned his reputation as a stopper at UConn and now projects to guard elite NBA guards. Rookie Carter Bryant<\/a> adds a 6-foot-8 frame with a 7-foot wingspan as a 3-and-D wing. Kornet, meanwhile, finished in the 74th<\/a> percentile in opponent points per possession last season.<\/p>\n

The Spurs ranked 19th in defensive rating before the All-Star break last year but plummeted to 25th without Wembanyama anchoring the paint. With him back, along with new reinforcements, ESPN insiders predict Wembanyama will emerge as the frontrunner<\/a> for Defensive Player of the Year.<\/p>\n

Eyes on Opening Night<\/p>\n

The Spurs left media day with one clear message: San Antonio plans to defend at an elite level. With Wembanyama towering taller, Castle and Sochan eager, and Kornet offering needed rim support, the Spurs believe their defense can be scary. I project they will have a top-10 defense in the league.<\/p>\n

Even with Fox sidelined at the start, the Spurs expect to be ready. Opening night will be the first step in proving whether this young, evolving roster is ready to back up its bold words.<\/p>\n

Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

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