There may be lastly a lightweight on the finish of the tunnel. At this time was formally Spurs Media Day for the 2025-26 season, which suggests coaching camp begins tomorrow, and preseason is only a week away. There was a brand new vibe this 12 months, with some new faces (a minimum of to media day) and a brand new pep within the group’s step as they purpose to bust their playoff drought and tackle a brand new id, notably on the defensive finish. Under are some key moments and takeaways.
Mitch Johnson’s first media day
For the primary time since 1996, another person was within the head teaching seat. After Gregg Popovich retired in Could, having missed all however the first 5 video games of the 2024-25 season after struggling a stroke, the reigns have been handed to his lead assistant Mitch Johnson. Naturally, there have been going to be questions on his mentor (who, reminder, remains to be with the group as President of Basketball Operations), and Johnson confirmed they’re nonetheless continually in contact and giving/receiving recommendation.
He additionally mentioned renewed profitable expectations for the group and the way they plan to deal with it:
From an harm standpoint, Johnson confirmed what we knew again in July, that Victor Wembanyama is cleared to play. He additionally gave updates on some offseason accidents. Dylan Harper (torn thumb ligament) is again on the courtroom and within the technique of getting again into form, though it didn’t sound like he’s cleared for contact. He additionally mentioned that each De’Aaron Fox (hamstring) and Jeremy Sochan (calf discomfort whereas coaching with Crew Poland for the Euros) will likely be practising in coaching camp, though they’ll take a “conscious strategy”.
Whereas imprecise, nothing there appeared to indicate there was an opportunity anybody aside from perhaps Harper may miss any enjoying time. In consequence, Fox (who went final) stunned everybody in attendance by stating that whereas he feels he can play now, he doesn’t anticipate to be cleared for the preseason and probably even opening night time.
That positively caught everybody off guard and is the information of the day, but it surely’s necessary to notice that nothing about his standing has been formally introduced, so that you by no means know. The excellent news is even when he’s not prepared on opening night time, he’s wholesome now and is simply ramping again up, and the purpose is reportedly November 1, which might imply he’d miss 5 video games on the most. Higher he be absolutely wholesome when he returns than re-aggravating something that might pressure much more missed time.
the previous tried and true saying: protection wins championships. It’s how the Spurs’ dynasty was constructed, and it’s one thing your complete group is honing in on this season. A number of gamers, together with Jeremy Sochan, Stephon Fortress and Devin Vassell all emphasised how necessary that aspect of the ball this season. Wemby additionally mentioned enjoying laborious on that finish is a “non-negotiable” for this group.
Probably the most anticipated second of your complete day got here when Wemby made his triumphant return from a scary deep vein thrombosis analysis final season, which helped him see the world in a brand new gentle.
It additionally led to his many adventures this offseason, together with coaching with monks on the Shaolin Temple in China.
However don’t assume meaning he uncared for his basketball duties or exercises. He has placed on noticeable muscle mass and warranted this was the most efficient summer time he’s ever had, and nobody labored out more durable than him.
Additionally of word, the Spurs will reportedly checklist Wemby as 7’4” this season, so an inch taller than final season, however permit me to direct you to my “as a result of I used to be bored” offseason masterpiece about why I believe they’re underreporting his top and he’s 7’5” on the absolute minimal.
As beforehand talked about, Fox gave a barely stunning reply to his well being by revealing he could miss slightly time early, and with Harper’s standing additionally in query, it could be simply Fortress on opening night time. Regardless, the trio all acquired alternatives to talk and focus on how they’ll work collectively, which has been an enormous query coming into the season contemplating their related strengths, weaknesses and elegance of play.
These are simply a few of the extra fascinating tidbits, however there was lots extra to Media Day than simply that, because it took a complete 3 hours to get by everybody (with lengthy pauses in between). In the event you’re , you may rewatch your complete factor under.
We’ll have some deeper dives into Media Day later, so keep tuned. Within the meantime, what did you hear that made you essentially the most excited? Any surprises or one thing that wasn’t lined? Be happy to debate within the feedback, and within the meantime, welcome to a brand new season, Pounders!
