Why San Antonio Must Build a Playoff Contender Next Season?

“He doesn’t have a ceiling. He can do whatever he wants to do in his career.” “He’s like the NBA 2K create-a-player, every point guard that wants to be 7-foot. Cheat-code-type vibes, man. He’s a solid talent. It’s great to watch.” Those quotes were by Lebron James and Steph Curry, describing the French rookie phenom, Victor Wembanyama. Wembanyama is the runaway leader for the Rookie of the Year Award, averaging 20.7 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 3.5 assists. His adjustment to the NBA has been seamless, and his stats are similar to Lebron’s rookie season of 20.9 points, 5.9 assists, and 5.5 rebounds. However, the Spurs cannot be satisfied that this young prodigious talent is trending towards superstardom. The Texas franchise must capitalize on the moment and build a contender quickly. In this article, we discuss three reasons why the Spurs must build a contender around Wembanyama next season.

1. Wembanyama wants to win- on the night of the NBA lottery, Victor declared that he wants to “win a ring ASAP”. This season, Wembanyama plays his best when the light is the brightest. For instance, in November, he scored 38 points and 10 rebounds to hold off the Phoenix Suns. It was a notable performance because it came down to a duel with Kevin Durant, and Victor was determined to get his team over the line. Another example of Wembanyama’s desire to win is his budding rivalry with Chet Holmgren. Holmgren is playing on the better team and won the first two matchups against V this season. However, Victor was determined to turn the tide in the fourth quarter by leading them to a come-from-behind victory. Victor recorded 28 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists to squash the Rookie of the Year debate with Holmgren. The Spurs have a putrid 15-54 record, and after each loss, Victor seems visibly unhappy with losing because he has dominated teams from youth basketball. Victor is so serious about winning that he appeared upset that Anthony Edwards attempted a left-handed half-court shot in the skills competition during All-Star Weekend. He stated, “’ They wanted to have fun.” Fun is winning.” Yes, Wembanyama is all about winning.

2. Wembanyama will attract marquee players- Victor has proven that he has the potential to be the best player on a championship team. However, the Spurs have a young team, and if they want to become a playoff contender, they will need to sign a secondary star. Victor’s dominance on the court has garnered praise from his peers, and a few All-Star players will find moving to San Antonio attractive with the opportunity to play the all-world talent. For instance, if the Clippers fail to make a deep playoff run, Paul George may decide to leave Los Angeles because of successive failed attempts to win a championship. The 33-year-old is playing on an expiring deal and has failed to work out an extension with the Clippers. The team has re-signed Kawhi Leonard, and re-signing James Harden and George would keep them in the second apron and face a huge tax bill for a team that has fallen short. Another interesting player to keep our eyes on is Klay Thompson. Klay is a four-time champion with the Golden State Warriors and is one-half of the Splash Brothers. Thompson failed to agree to an extension last summer and will be a free agent this summer. Thompson has moved to the bench, and his form has improved with the freedom to be a scorer in the second unit. Imagine Wembanyama grabbing all the attention and leaving Klay wide open for a three. It could be a deadly combination. The potential of Mike Conley or Tobias Harris as the third-best player could vault the Spurs into the playoffs and show Victor they are serious about winning.

3. Gregg Popovich is not getting any younger-in July 2023, Gregg Popovich signed a 5-year extension to remain the Head Coach and Team President for the Texas franchise. Popovich is a 5-time champion, and his love for the game has not waned despite its evolution in his tenure. Popovich loyally stuck with the franchise after the dynastic period led by Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili. However, Popovich is 75 years old, and will want to start winning as he rebuilds this iteration of the Spurs. The signing of the extension gave Wembanyama assurance of stability, which a young star needs to thrive. Popovich has praised Victor in the media and defended his young player despite coaching older players tough in the past. Moreover, Popovich will know that his days on the sidelines are ending, and the ascendency in the Western Conference must start next season. After all, Father Time is undefeated.