San Antonio Spurs Season Preview
Re-signed: Charles Bassey, Sandro Mamukelashvili
Additions: Harrison Barnes (trade), Chris Paul (free agent)
Draft Picks: Stephon Castle (No. 4 overall), Juan Núñez (No. 36), Harrison Ingram (No. 48)
Departures: Dominick Barlow (to Hawks), Devonte’ Graham (to Trail Blazers)
Unsigned Free Agents: Cedi Osman
Last Season Recap
The San Antonio Spurs were largely in rebuilding mode in 2023-24, posting a 22-60 record in Victor Wembanyama’s rookie season. While the team’s performance was far from impressive, Wembanyama lived up to his hype after the All-Star break, earning Kia NBA Rookie of the Year honors. His individual brilliance was one of the few bright spots in a season where the Spurs struggled mightily, losing 26 of 28 games at one point. The team lacked experience and depth, a necessary growing pain as they look to build around their new generational talent.
Summer Summary
In a surprising move, the Spurs signed veteran Chris Paul, who could have chosen to join a title contender but instead opted to guide this young team alongside Gregg Popovich. Paul, at 39, will provide invaluable mentorship to Stephon Castle, their No. 4 overall pick. Castle, a poised and intelligent point guard from UConn, is seen as a potential long-term solution at the position for San Antonio. His development under Paul’s tutelage could be one of the key narratives of the season.
Adding Harrison Barnes, a proven veteran, gives the Spurs another experienced player to help balance their young roster, which includes players like Keldon Johnson, Devin Vassell, and Jeremy Sochan. The acquisition of future Draft capital through trades, including trading the No. 8 pick to Minnesota for future assets, keeps the Spurs focused on long-term development.
Player Spotlight: Stephon Castle
Stephon Castle, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, will play a crucial role in the Spurs’ future as they develop him alongside Victor Wembanyama. Castle, a standout at UConn, is a heady point guard with high basketball IQ and defensive prowess. Learning under Chris Paul provides Castle with a unique opportunity to refine his playmaking skills, making him a player to watch closely this season as he potentially takes the reins of the team’s offense.
Season Outlook
The Spurs remain in rebuilding mode, and with Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes as veteran stabilizers, the focus will once again be on the development of their young core. Victor Wembanyama will look to take another step toward superstardom, while Stephon Castle has a valuable opportunity to grow under Paul’s mentorship. With Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson, and Jeremy Sochan continuing to hone their games, San Antonio will be competitive but likely remain outside of serious playoff contention.
San Antonio’s future looks bright, but the present is likely another year of progression and patience. Coach Gregg Popovich will be tasked with balancing veteran leadership with youth development, as he continues to shape the future of the franchise at age 76.
The Spurs should improve, but making the playoffs remains a long shot in a loaded Western Conference. The real question for the season will be how quickly their young players, especially Wembanyama and Castle, can continue to grow and how well they will mesh with the veteran leadership of Paul and Barnes.
