Ellie Perrier

The 2024 NBA season had Spurs fans excited. With the recent draft pick of the S-tier prospect Victor Wembanyama, shivers of excitement could be felt throughout the Alamo City. Now, at the halfway point of the season, the San Antonio Spurs find themselves dead-last in the Western Conference, only outshined by the Detroit Pistons’ horrific season. Disaster has struck San Antonio.
The Spurs have only had the first overall pick three times in franchise history. In 1987, the Spurs selected David Robinson, who turned the Spurs’ record from 21-61 (.256) to 56-26 (.683). A decade later, the Spurs selected Tim Duncan as the first pick, who immediately turned the second-to-last Spurs into playoff contenders. Twice, the franchise selected a power forward/center position with the first overall pick, and both times, they’ve had a profound impact on the organization.
Last summer, the Spurs again used their first overall pick on a big man, selecting Victor Wembanyama. The 19-year-old center is tied for the tallest center in the league, towering over opponents at 7’4”. On top of that, Wembanyama is an offensive weapon in nearly every category, capable of thriving in the paint and outside of the 3-point line. Based on the Spurs’ previous first-overall picks, Wembanyama appeared to be a key to success. However, the Spurs are currently in last place in the Western Conference, showing little progress with a record of 8-34 (.190). What’s the issue?
It’s no secret that the Spurs have struggled offensively. According to NBA advanced statistics, the Spurs have placed 26th in field goal percentages and 23rd in average points per game. The weaknesses are noticeable when looking at the areas from where the team shoots. In the era of basketball, when the 3-pointer reigns supreme, the Spurs’ outside shooting is terrible compared to the rest of the league. Their 3-point percentage is ranked twenty-eighth in the league, shooting primarily from the break of the 3-point line and much less from the corners.
Data has also shown that the Spurs do not drive the ball successfully, placing 27th in the league when tracking drives. These statistics support the underlying truth: the Spurs need to up their offense. The Spurs have their defensive issues as well. Although the team is ranked ninth in blocks and 12th in defensive rebounds (primarily due to Wembanyama), their defense behind the perimeter is atrocious. The Spurs place 28th in allowed 3-pointers this season and show no sign of improving.
Despite the team’s struggles, Wembanyama has shown excellent promise as a rookie. Although the Rookie of the Year debate between Wembanyama and Oklahoma City’s Chet Holmgren is tight, statistics support Wembanyama’s dominance over the league. For example, his player efficiency rating (PER) is the highest of any rookie in the league, proving his skill as an offensive player. On the defensive side, Wembanyama leads the league in blocks per game while also being a prominent rebounder. Although Wembanyama has brought plenty to the table this season, numerous other issues plague the team’s chances of success.
A lack of experience and the abundance of youth are also clear problems. Veteran players act as the glue to an NBA team, providing chemistry while also bringing resilience, toughness and responsibility. As the majority of the team is under the age of 25, leadership and chemistry issues can occur. The most renowned veteran of them all, Gregg Popovich, is the legendary coach behind the reins of this team. Although Popovich has certainly proven himself to be a phenomenal coach, some have started to question his methods this year, particularly with placing Jeremy Sochan at point guard.
The San Antonio Spurs 2024 season has ultimately been a failure. However, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. This upcoming draft season, the Spurs have three first-round draft picks, two of which are likely to be top-ten picks. Even though this year’s draft class isn’t as promising as last year’s, the Spurs could have some potential upcoming stars join their roster. If they play their cards correctly, a Spurs dynasty with Victor Wembanyama leading the team may be dominant.