The San Antonio Spurs’ offseason kicked off with a bang, making headlines with a series of strategic moves. Most notably, they signed veteran point guard Chris Paul to a one-year, $11 million deal. While Paul may not be in his prime, his leadership and experience are invaluable assets for the young Spurs squad, especially for mentoring Victor Wembanyama and rookie guard Stephon Castle.

In the Draft, they selected Stephon Castle with the fourth overall pick and Rob Dillingham with the eighth. Castle, a standout guard from UConn, is known for his defensive prowess and playmaking abilities. However, Dillingham was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves for a future first-round pick and a pick swap, providing the Spurs with additional future assets.

Additionally, the Spurs selected Johnny Furphy with the 35th pick and Harrison Ingram with the 48th. Furphy was subsequently traded to the Indiana Pacers, while Ingram, a promising 3-and-D prospect, is expected to bring energy and shooting to the team. Moreover, Juan Núñez, acquired via trade, will remain in Spain for another year to continue his development. In another significant move, the Spurs brought in Harrison Barnes in the DeMar DeRozan sign-and-trade deal, adding a seasoned forward to their lineup. Barnes’ experience and versatility will be crucial for the Spurs as they aim to balance their young core with veteran presence.

Point Guards

Chris Paul, Tre Jones

The point guard position for the San Antonio Spurs has seen a significant upgrade with the addition of Chris Paul. Signing Paul to a one-year, $11 million deal brings not only his on-court skills but also his veteran leadership, which is invaluable for the young Spurs squad. Known as the “Point God,” Paul’s ability to orchestrate the offense and mentor younger players like Victor Wembanyama and rookie point guard Stephon Castle is a crucial aspect of his role. Even though Paul’s prime years are behind him, his experience and basketball IQ will be instrumental in guiding the team’s young talent.

Chris Paul had a solid 2023-24 season with the Golden State Warriors, averaging 9.2 points, 6.8 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game. Although his role was limited and he struggled with injuries, he demonstrated his ability to manage the game and make key plays when needed. Paul was waived by the Warriors in a cost-cutting move, which allowed the Spurs to sign him. The Spurs saw this as an opportunity to add a veteran presence to guide their young roster.

Tre Jones continues to be a solid presence for the Spurs. As a capable floor general, Jones has shown his ability to run the offense effectively. His development over the past seasons has been promising, and with Paul’s mentorship, Jones has the potential to elevate his game further. Jones’ consistency, defense, and playmaking will complement Paul’s experience, giving the Spurs a balanced attack at the point guard position.

Shooting Guards

Stephon Castle, Malaki Branham, Blake Wesley

Stephon Castle, selected as the No. 4 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, brings a versatile skill set to the Spurs’ backcourt. Standing at 6’6″, Castle is known for his defensive prowess and playmaking abilities. At UConn, he averaged 11.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game, showcasing his all-around game. Castle’s size and athleticism make him a tough matchup for opposing guards, and his potential to develop into a primary ball-handler adds depth to the Spurs’ lineup.

Malaki Branham enters the new season with high expectations after a promising rookie year. Known for his scoring ability, Branham averaged 9.2 points per game last season and demonstrated a knack for creating his own shot. His mid-range game is particularly strong, and he has shown improvement in his three-point shooting. As he continues to develop his all-around game, Branham is expected to play a significant role in the Spurs’ offense, providing a scoring punch off the bench.

Blake Wesley, another young talent in the Spurs’ backcourt, brings energy and athleticism to the team. In his limited playing time last season, Wesley averaged 4.4 points and 2.7 assists per game, showing flashes of his potential as a dynamic guard. Known for his speed and defensive tenacity, Wesley can guard multiple positions and push the pace in transition. As he gains more experience, Wesley is poised to become an important contributor for the Spurs, especially in fast-break situations.

Small Forwards

Devin Vassell, Harrison Barnes, Julian Champagnie, Harrison Ingram

Devin Vassell continues to be a cornerstone for the Spurs on both ends of the floor. Known for his defensive prowess and three-point shooting, Vassell had a standout 2023-24 season, averaging 19.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game. His ability to guard multiple positions and stretch the floor with his shooting makes him an invaluable part of the Spurs’ rotation. As he enters his fourth season, Vassell is expected to take on more of a leadership role and further develop his all-around game, helping to guide the Spurs’ young core.

Harrison Barnes brings a wealth of experience to the Spurs, having signed with the team this offseason. Last season with the Sacramento Kings, Barnes averaged 12.2 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game while shooting 38.7% from beyond the arc. His versatility and veteran presence will be crucial for the Spurs, particularly in mentoring the younger players. Barnes is known for his reliability and ability to contribute both offensively and defensively, making him a key addition to the Spurs’ lineup. His presence is expected to provide stability and scoring, which will be particularly valuable for the development of the team’s younger talents.

Julian Champagnie showed promising development in his sophomore season with the Spurs, averaging 6.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game in 2023-24. Champagnie’s athleticism and shooting touch make him a valuable asset in the Spurs’ rotation. As he continues to refine his skills, Champagnie is expected to play a significant role, especially in small-ball lineups where his versatility can be maximized. Meanwhile, Harrison Ingram, selected with the 48th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, is a promising 3-and-D prospect. Known for his defensive tenacity and improved jump shot, Ingram brings hustle and energy to the Spurs. His development will be closely watched as he adjusts to the NBA, and his ability to knock down open shots and defend at a high level will determine his role in the rotation.

Power Forwards

Jeremy Sochan, Keldon Johnson, Sidy Cissoko

Jeremy Sochan had a notable 2023-24 season, showcasing his versatility and defensive capabilities. He averaged 11.6 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game. Sochan’s ability to guard multiple positions and contribute on both ends of the floor makes him a crucial part of the Spurs’ rotation. His energy and tenacity on defense, combined with his improving offensive skills, provide the Spurs with a solid foundation at the power forward position.

Keldon Johnson continues to be a significant contributor for the Spurs. In the 2023-24 season, he averaged 15.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game. Johnson’s scoring ability and physical style of play make him a versatile forward capable of playing both inside and out. His aggressive approach on the court helps set the tone for the Spurs, and his ability to drive to the basket and hit outside shots adds depth to their offensive game.

Sidy Cissoko, entering his second year with the Spurs, has shown promise as a versatile forward. While his rookie season was more about adjusting to the NBA, his defensive skills and athleticism have already made an impact.

Centers

Victor Wembanyama, Zach Collins, Charles Bassey

Victor Wembanyama had an exceptional rookie season, living up to the high expectations set for him as the first overall pick. He averaged 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game over 71 games, earning the NBA Rookie of the Year award. His defensive prowess was particularly noteworthy, with 3.6 blocks per game, which also earned him a spot on the NBA All-Defensive First Team. Wembanyama’s combination of size, skill, and versatility has made him a foundational piece for the Spurs, and his continued development will be crucial for the team’s future success.

Zach Collins provided solid contributions as the Spurs’ backup center. In the 2023-24 season, he averaged 11.6 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game. Collins’ ability to stretch the floor with his shooting and provide interior defense has made him a valuable asset off the bench. His experience and versatility allow him to fill various roles, making him an essential part of the Spurs’ frontcourt rotation. As a dependable veteran presence, Collins’ performance and leadership will continue to be vital for the Spurs.

Charles Bassey has shown promise as a developing big man for the Spurs. Bassey’s strengths lie in his rebounding and shot-blocking abilities, providing the Spurs with additional rim protection. As he continues to gain experience and refine his skills, Bassey is expected to play a more significant role in the team’s rotation, contributing to their defensive schemes and adding depth to the center.

Can The Spurs Fight For The Play-In?

The San Antonio Spurs are positioned to potentially compete for a play-in tournament spot in the upcoming NBA season, thanks to a series of key roster moves and the development of their young talent.

The Spurs made significant additions in the offseason, most notably the signing of veteran point guard Chris Paul. Paul’s leadership and experience could be pivotal for the Spurs, especially in close games and high-pressure situations. His ability to mentor young players like Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle is invaluable. Additionally, the acquisition of Harrison Barnes provides the Spurs with a reliable scoring option and veteran presence on the wing.

Victor Wembanyama, who had a stellar rookie season averaging 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game, is expected to take another step forward. His defensive prowess, highlighted by his 3.6 blocks per game, anchors the Spurs’ defense. Alongside Wembanyama, players like Devin Vassell and Keldon Johnson are also crucial to the team’s success. The development of these young stars is critical for the Spurs’ push towards the play-in.

The Spurs have built a versatile roster with depth at key positions. Zach Collins and Charles Bassey provide solid options at center, offering both offensive and defensive capabilities. Jeremy Sochan and Keldon Johnson’s ability to play multiple positions adds flexibility to the lineup. This depth allows the Spurs to adapt to various matchups and play styles, which is essential in a long and grueling season.

While the Western Conference remains highly competitive, the Spurs have the pieces in place to challenge for a play-in spot. Their blend of veteran leadership, promising young talent, and roster depth gives them a fighting chance to extend their season beyond the regular 82 games.