The San Antonio Spurs are ready to make a big impact in the 2024-25 season. After having Victor Wembanyama , who not only won Rookie of the Year but is also a candidate for Defensive Player of the Year, the Spurs are looking to build on that excitement. Wemby showed that he can be a franchise player, and fans are eager to see what he’ll do next.
This offseason, the Spurs made two key moves by bringing in Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes. Paul joined on a one-year, $11 million deal after spending last season with the Warriors. He’s a veteran point guard with tons of experience and leadership. Paul will surely help develop the younger players on the team and run the offense effectively.
Harrison Barnes was acquired in the DeMar DeRozan sign-and-trade with the Kings. With his scoring ability and versatility, Barnes is expected to fit well alongside Wemby and provide support on both ends of the court. With these new additions, the Spurs have a solid blend of youth and experience that puts them in a great position to make a playoff push this year.
1. Victor Wembanyama's Next-Level Leap
Victor Wembanyama isn’t just another talented rookie; he’s already established himself as a future superstar in the NBA. His impact in his first season was historic, earning him the 2023-24 Rookie of the Year award with unanimous votes and securing his place as a Defensive Player of the Year runner-up. Wemby averaged 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, and an astounding 3.6 blocks per game, making him the league’s block leader. His defensive presence alone transformed the Spurs' defensive identity, and he became the youngest player ever to be named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team.
Wemby’s defensive stats are simply unreal. He ranked among the league's top players not just in blocks, but also in steals and deflections. His ability to protect the rim and alter shots at an elite level gives the Spurs a defensive anchor they haven't had in years. As the tallest player in the NBA, standing at 7-foot-4 with an 8-foot wingspan, Wemby uses his size to dominate in the paint. He averaged 8.4 defensive rebounds and led the league in both block percentage and total blocks.
His offensive game also took a huge step forward in his rookie year. Wembanyama showed a versatile scoring package, able to score from inside and stretch defenses with his emerging three-point shot. His 32.5% from deep shows promise for a big man, and his ability to knock down free throws at a 79.6% clip ensures that defenders can’t simply foul him to stop his production. As he heads into his second season, there’s every reason to believe his offensive output will only improve.
Wembanyama didn’t stop there. He was one of the standout performers for France during the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he helped lead his team to a silver medal. Wemby’s contributions in the final game, where he scored 26 points and grabbed 7 rebounds, were crucial, even though France fell to the United States. His experience in such high-stakes international competition is bound to benefit him heading into his second NBA season. Playing against top talents from around the world has only added to his confidence, and he’s already eyeing more growth in the coming years.
Wemby's ability to influence both ends of the court is what sets him apart. While his scoring and shot-blocking make the headlines, his basketball IQ and feel for the game are well beyond his years. Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich has praised his work ethic and adaptability, noting that Wemby’s desire to learn and improve will only make him more dangerous. This combination of talent, work ethic, and leadership from a coach like Popovich makes Wemby a surefire centerpiece for a playoff team.
With his rookie season in the books and all signs pointing to further growth, Wembanyama is ready to take his game to an even higher level in 2024-25. Whether it’s improving his offensive efficiency or continuing to dominate defensively, Wemby will be at the heart of the Spurs’ playoff push. His leap from rookie sensation to bona fide star is the first big reason San Antonio has a real shot at making the playoffs this season.
2. Chris Paul Gives The Spurs A True Floor General
One of the biggest upgrades for the San Antonio Spurs this season is the addition of Chris Paul, a 12-time All-Star and one of the best point guards in NBA history. Last season, the Spurs tried different options at the point guard spot, including Jeremy Sochan, which led to mixed results. Sochan, while a talented player, struggled to handle the responsibilities of running the offense, leading to inconsistency and turnovers. The experiment highlighted the need for a true playmaker to guide the team.
While Tre Jones stepped in and provided more stability as the primary point guard, Paul’s arrival takes the Spurs’ offense to a new level. Paul signed a one-year, $11 million deal with the Spurs, and his experience and basketball IQ will be invaluable. His ability to run the pick-and-roll, especially with Victor Wembanyama, will give the Spurs a reliable offensive weapon. Paul has proven throughout his career that he can elevate the team and players around him, and with a young core like San Antonio’s, his leadership will be key.
Paul’s impact goes beyond his scoring or passing. He brings a sense of control and organization that the Spurs haven’t had since trading Dejounte Murray. While Jones is a solid backup, Paul’s ability to manage the tempo of the game and get players into their spots will make a huge difference. His presence allows the young players like Wembanyama, Devin Vassell, and Keldon Johnson to focus on their strengths while Paul takes care of the playmaking.
Paul’s role as a mentor is also crucial. He’s not just there to score or make plays—he’s expected to help Stephon Castle and the other young guards learn how to be better decision-makers on the court. This kind of mentorship will be vital in developing San Antonio’s next generation of stars. Paul’s presence stabilizes the lineup and allows the Spurs to fully unlock their potential, with everyone playing their natural roles.
Unlike previous seasons, where the Spurs had to rely on young and developing point guards, Paul brings decades of experience and knowledge. This makes him the perfect fit for a Spurs team looking to take the next step and push for the playoffs. Whether it's guiding the offense or setting up Wembanyama for easy baskets, Paul’s leadership will be a game-changer this season.
Related: 2024-25 San Antonio Spurs Roster By Tiers
3. Improved Wing Depth With Harrison Barnes
One of the Spurs' biggest weaknesses last season was their lack of consistent wing play beyond Keldon Johnson. Johnson, who averaged 15.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists during the 2023-24 season, was often asked to carry the load as their primary wing defender and scorer. With the Spurs lacking depth at that position, opponents would exploit the team’s thin rotation, especially on the defensive end.
That changes this season with the addition of Harrison Barnes, who may turn out to be a key offseason trade in a few months. Barnes brings solid defensive skills and veteran leadership that was missing last year. He is a versatile player who can shoot, defend multiple positions, and take pressure off Johnson. The two of them are expected to rotate as starters, giving Popovich the flexibility to adjust lineups based on matchups.
Johnson could now thrive in either a starting role or come off the bench as a sixth man, depending on what the team needs on a given night. Having a reliable defender like Barnes allows the Spurs to keep their defense tight, while Johnson's energy and scoring punch will be crucial whether he's starting or coming in to spark the second unit. This kind of depth and flexibility at the wing position is something the Spurs simply didn’t have last year.
With both players offering solid defensive capabilities, the Spurs will no longer be as vulnerable against teams with elite wings. Barnes’ championship experience and defensive reliability make him a valuable addition alongside Johnson, creating one of the more balanced wing rotations San Antonio has had in recent years. This upgraded wing depth gives the team a big boost in their push for the playoffs in 2024-25.
4. Devin Vassell’s Potential All-Around Growth
One of the most exciting developments for the Spurs is the potential leap from Devin Vassell . In the 2023-24 season, Vassell showcased his growing skill set, averaging 19.5 points, 4.1 assists, and 3.8 rebounds per game across 68 games. Vassell has emerged as one of the Spurs’ key offensive weapons, especially as a versatile shooter. His shooting splits were solid, including 37.2% from three and 47.2% from the field, showing his ability to be both an off-ball threat and a creator off the dribble. His mid-range game is becoming particularly reliable, where he shot 42.2%.
What’s more exciting is Vassell’s potential to grow into a more complete offensive player. He has shown flashes of becoming a better shot creator, particularly in pick-and-roll situations. His ability to shoot off the dribble and make plays for others has improved each year, making him a crucial piece in San Antonio’s offense. Last season, nearly a third of his three-point shots were unassisted, highlighting his ability to create his own looks, a skill the Spurs sorely lacked.
Defensively, Vassell has the tools to become a standout two-way player. At 6’5” with long arms and quick lateral movement, he’s capable of guarding multiple positions. While his offense has taken center stage recently, Vassell is also improving as a perimeter defender, something the Spurs will rely on as they aim for playoff contention. His ability to disrupt passing lanes, defend against top wings, and close out shooters gives the Spurs much-needed defensive stability on the wing.
Entering the 2024-25 season, Vassell is expected to take on an even bigger role, not just as a shooter but as a key playmaker and defender. His improvement in reading defenses, both in the pick-and-roll and as an off-ball player, will be crucial to his next step. With his versatility, the Spurs now have a reliable scorer who can also defend at a high level, further solidifying their playoff chances.
5. The West Could Be Really Tight
The Western Conference is shaping up to be a battle from top to bottom, and the San Antonio Spurs could easily find themselves in the mix for a Play-In Tournament spot. Last season, the Spurs finished 12th in the West with just 22 wins, but that was largely due to their tanking strategy to secure more young pieces next to Victor Wembanyama. With Wemby taking a leap and new additions like Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes, they could see a dramatic turnaround, potentially adding 15-20 more wins to their record.
The competition in the West is tough, but it's also wide open. Teams like the G olden State Warriors and the LA Clippers have gotten older and faced injuries, which could lead to them slipping in the standings this season. The Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Lakers haven't made significant roster changes, meaning their potential is already known, but it also leaves room for teams like the Spurs to close the gap. The Spurs could climb from 12th to 10th and secure a Play-In spot if they play consistently throughout the year.
The Western Conference has always been unpredictable, and this season looks no different. Teams in the middle of the pack could be separated by just a few games, making every win critical. The Spurs’ youth, combined with veteran leadership, could give them the boost they need to rise in this crowded field. With improved defense, more efficient scoring, and Wembanyama’s growth, San Antonio has a real shot at surprising everyone and making the playoffs.
Related: Grade The Trade Idea: Spurs Acquire Jonathan Kuminga In A Deal The Warriors Would Immediately Accept
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