An honest expert on Wembanyama and Spurs’ start to the season: ‘They deserve…

By Guillaume K. | Sports journalist

With the arrival of Victor Wembanyama during the 2023 Draft, the Spurs knew that they would return to the heights of the Western Conference. But they probably didn’t think they would progress so quickly. For experts, this balanced record deserves respect.

For the first year of Victor Wembanyama In the NBA, the Spurs posted a record of 26 wins and 56 losses. Aware that the French prodigy would not accept this mediocrity for long, the managers strengthened the team during the summer, and their work is already bearing fruit. San Antonio is unrecognizable.

As mid-season approaches, the men of Mitch Johnson, interim in the absence of Gregg Popovich, already have 19 wins for as many setbacks. They are firmly established in the play-in race, an important step that was not necessarily expected so early in the rebuilding process. But be careful, everything is not perfect in Texas…

Spurs start to season judged

Still inexperienced despite the contribution of Chris Paul, the Spurs sometimes struggle to make the difference in close encounters. Likewise, certain individuals are not yet at the expected level. So how can we judge these first 38 matches of the 2024/2025 financial year? Kenny Beecham, consultant for TNT et Bleacher Report, gave his opinion on the matter:

Kenny Beecham : For their start to the season, the Spurs deserve a grade of “A-”. They managed to become a real play-in team, and with a Devin Vassell who wasn’t really good. In most matches, there is a real regression compared to the previous season or even the one before that. It’s impressive that San Antonio is showing such a level with Victor Wembanyama’s lieutenant not being up to par.

The Spurs were expected to show progress this season, but few saw them fighting with teams like the Lakers, Suns or Timberwolves for a spot in the playoffs. And the most impressive thing is that they achieved this feat without a great Devin Vassell, Victor Wembanyama’s designated lieutenant. Fortunately, they found another effective connection:

Thanks to the experience of Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes, thanks to the progression of Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs are already a serious team in the Western Conference. And that’s just the beginning of the Wemby era in Texas.