Where do the Spurs go from here?

San Antonio's season is likely to end disappointingly, given the uncertain futures of its franchise cornerstone, Victor Wembanyama, and Hall of Fame head coach Greg Popovich. The Spurs were a team I expected to contend for a spot in the play-in tournament, but now they find themselves having to salvage what could have been a promising season. With the unfortunate losses of key players, it will be difficult to project the Spurs' future as a team and as an organization.

For the Spurs, the most challenging aspect will be managing the returns of both Victor Wembanyama and Gregg Popovich to the team in good health. Popovich's health is particularly concerning, especially considering his age and the mild stroke he suffered on November 2nd. He has been away from the team since then, and it remains uncertain what his future in the NBA holds. Since 1996, Popovich has been a pivotal leader on the Spurs' sidelines and is arguably the most legendary figure in the team’s history. Imagining a future without Popovich is difficult for the Spurs, particularly as they prepare to enter the Wembanyama era.

On the court, Wembanyama's absence is a significant setback for a team rich in young talent that had the potential to be a playoff contender this season. Even more concerning, Wembanyama's absence is not attributed to a typical injury. A blood clot in his shoulder has prematurely ended his season. This condition is not uncommon for an NBA player, as Brandon Ingram who suffered the same diagnosis in 2019 was able to recover and return the following season, earning an All-Star selection.

Before his season was sadly cut short, Wembanyama was having a spectacular season. He averaged 24.3 points, 11 rebounds, and a league 3.8 blocks per game which helped him earn his first-ever All-Star nod. He was also the lead candidate for Defensive Player of the Year making his case as one of the best two-way players in the NBA in just his second season.

With the Spurs currently sitting as the 12th seed in the Western Conference and holding a 24-31 record along with the loss of Wembanyama for the season, they are likely on track to become a lottery team. Although this season may end in disappointment, there could be a silver lining, as the 2025 draft class is expected to be very promising. Next season, if the Spurs can return to health with Wembanyama and head coach Popovich, along with a promising young player from the draft, they could become playoff contenders.