What are the San Antonio Spurs Expectations coming into the 2025-26 season?
The weight of Spurs expectations has never felt heavier. Not since Tim Duncan’s rookie year has San Antonio carried this much hope on the shoulders of someone so young. Victor Wembanyama isn’t just the future of the franchise—he’s become the present, and every basketball soul in the Alamo City knows it.
At 21, the French phenom already carries himself like a veteran superstar. You see it in the way he approaches each possession, the calculated precision of his defensive rotations, and the quiet confidence that radiates from his 7-foot-4 frame. But it’s the moments between games, the conversations in the locker room, and the countless hours in the gym that reveal the true measure of his character.
The Injury That Changed EverythingÂ
Deep vein thrombosis. Three words that sent shockwaves through the Spurs organization last season. Watching Wembanyama’s season end prematurely felt like watching a masterpiece being torn from the canvas before the artist could finish it. The kid was averaging 24.3 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 3.8 blocks per game. He was the runaway favorite for Defensive Player of the Year until his body betrayed him.
But here’s what separates champions from everyone else—how they respond to adversity. While other players might have sulked or made excuses, Wembanyama spent his recovery time in a Shaolin monastery in China, shaving his head and finding inner peace. That’s not normal. That’s not what 21-year-olds do. That’s what legends do.
“Unless Wemby has officially peaked after a year-and-a-half of NBA experience, there’s just no one else we can defensibly pick for this spot,” writes Bleacher Report’s Grant Hughes. “Wemby hasn’t even begun to peak.”
The scary part? He’s right.
Building Around Greatness
General Manager Brian Wright knows he’s sitting on a goldmine. The addition of Dylan Harper through the draft wasn’t just about getting another talented player—it was about surrounding Wembanyama with the right pieces. Harper brings that killer instinct you can’t teach, the kind of competitive fire that burns in your chest when the game’s on the line.
De’Aaron Fox’s arrival changed the entire dynamic. Finally, Wembanyama has a proven floor general who can get him the ball in positions where he can dominate. The chemistry between them was just starting to click when Fox’s season ended early, but what we saw was enough to make your pulse quicken with anticipation.
The Defensive Ceiling Nobody Talks About
Everyone focuses on Wembanyama’s offensive versatility—and rightfully so. His ability to handle the ball, shoot from three, and create his own shot at his size is unprecedented. But it’s his defensive potential that should keep Western Conference coaches awake at night. The Spurs expectations for Victor are insanely high.
Picture this: a seven-foot-four player who moves like a guard, thinks like a point guard, and protects the rim like a traditional center. He’s not just blocking shots—he’s changing the entire geometry of opposing offenses. Teams are already altering their game plans just because he’s on the floor.
Last season, before the injury, opponents shot 12.7% worse at the rim when Wembanyama was defending. That’s not just good—that’s historically dominant.
The Spurs Expectations mean the Championship Window Opens Now
Spurs expectations aren’t just about making the playoffs anymore. This organization has tasted five championships, and they know what championship DNA looks like. They see it in Wembanyama’s work ethic, his basketball IQ, and his refusal to settle for anything less than perfection.
The supporting cast is falling into place. Devin Vassell provides the shooting. Stephon Castle brings the defensive intensity. Kelly Olynyk adds veteran leadership and floor spacing. These aren’t just random acquisitions—they’re chess pieces being positioned around their king.
Coach Mitch Johnson inherited something special when Gregg Popovich stepped aside. The pressure could have crushed him, but instead, he’s embraced it. You can see it in his rotations, his timeout calls, and the way his players respond to his voice. He understands that managing Wembanyama isn’t just about X’s and O’s—it’s about nurturing greatness while demanding excellence.
The Burden of Being Special
What weighs on Wembanyama’s mind late at night? The expectations are suffocating. Every game is dissected. Every shot matters. Every defensive possession is analyzed by millions of fans who desperately want to believe they’re witnessing the birth of the next NBA dynasty.
But pressure creates diamonds, and the Spurs expectations shouldn’t be taken lightly, and Wembanyama seems to thrive under the microscope. His approach to the Summer League, his dedication during recovery, and his commitment to constant improvement suggest a player who understands the magnitude of his position but refuses to be intimidated by it.
The kid shoots 8.8 three-pointers per game. At seven-foot-four. That’s not just confidence—that’s borderline arrogance. The kind of arrogance champions need.
Spurs Expectations in 2025-26
This upcoming season feels different. The injury concerns are behind him. The supporting cast is better. The chemistry is developing. Most importantly, Wembanyama has had a full year to understand what NBA success requires.
Expect the numbers to jump. Expect the wins to follow. Expect Spurs expectations to shift from “promising young team” to “legitimate championship contender” by Christmas.
The kid is ready. San Antonio is ready. The only question remaining is whether the rest of the league is prepared for what’s coming.
Victor Wembanyama didn’t just join the Spurs—he awakened them. The dynasty they’ve been dreaming about since Tim Duncan retired? It’s not coming someday. It’s here now. The Spurs expectations for this next season should be through the roof.
