Former Players Offer Vastly Different San Antonio Spurs Predictions

The San Antonio Spurs have been the hot topic in the NBA world ever since they drafted Victor Wembanyama. His rookie year was marked by experimentation, growing pains, and learning, but after  a dominant Olympic performance, it's become apparent the discussions around him and the Spurs are "when," not "if."

Wembanyama is poised to be a top player in the NBA by the end of his second season, if not earlier, and is expected to be the figurehead of the Spurs for the next several years, promoting discussions of a dynasty. His two-way dominance is unprecedented, and the Spurs are working tirelessly to build around him.

In a loaded Western Conference, the Spurs are likely still a year or two away from going on a deep playoff run, although players rostered are confident they can make the playoffs this season. Of course, players currently on the team will exude confidence before the season starts, so people on the outside looking in might be more reliable.

Jeff Teague, a one-time All-Star who is now one of the more popular NBA podcasters is known for being honest about his analysis and often makes himself the butt of jokes. He was asked when the Spurs will win Wembanyama's first ring, and he thinks it will be a while.

"That surrounding cast, that mother[redacted] weak," said Teague, who thinks Wembanyama will win his first ring in the 2029-2030 season. "Year seven...who they got over there?"

Devin Vassell, Jeremy Sochan, Chris Paul, Harrison Barnes, and Stephon Castle will likely all be high-level role players this season, but Teague does have a point. Wembanyama will play at an All-NBA level, but he will be the only Spur to even be considered for the All-Star game. The supporting cast is still a ways away from being able to go on a deep run.

Metta Sandiford-Artest, known previously as Ron Artest and Metta World Peace, is also known for his brash takes, and he seems to be a lot more optimistic about the Spurs.

We can assume he means the Western Conference Finals, not the Conference Semifinals. Either way, that's a bold take.

Related: Jeremy Sochan is Back to Bringing Joy to the San Antonio Spurs

Realistically, the Spurs are somewhere between Teagues' and Artest's takes. They are aiming to just make the playoffs this season, but their core seems to be in place, and most of their improvement will be thanks to internal development, and they should be gunning for the Finals long before 2030.