Survey: Spurs followers consider they’ll compete for the play-in

It’s a line repeated numerous instances this summer time and into the autumn: there are excessive expectations for the 2024-2025 San Antonio Spurs.

With the acquisitions of Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes, an thrilling new rookie in Stephon Citadel, and the general enchancment of the younger core, together with a leap from second-year phenom, Victor Wembanyana, how may they not be? It appears Spurs followers are driving that hype going into the brand new yr.

Within the newest ballot from Pounding the Rock, we requested readers in the event that they anticipated the Spurs to surpass their anticipated win whole for this season. Overwhelmingly, the reply was sure, 73% of respondents agreed. There’s heavy skepticism in case you take heed to the nationwide basketball podcasting and broadcasting world. If the Spurs had been to leap over their win whole, that might be a greater than 14-game win soar from final season. That’s fairly the leap for any workforce, not to mention one that’s nonetheless stuffed with younger gamers studying how you can win.

As Spurs followers noticed within the opener in opposition to the Dallas Mavericks, this workforce nonetheless has loads to enhance on. They had been disjointed offensively, lacked constant offensive creation and nonetheless made psychological errors on the defensive finish that led to a three-point barrage from the Mavs. This can possible enhance all through the season. Clearly they’ll must get a key piece in Devin Vassell wholesome in the event that they need to make the most important enhancements persons are anticipating.

Opening evening was one unhealthy recreation for Wembanyanama. It shouldn’t sway anybody in somehow. In actual fact, 94% of respondents assume he’ll make his first All-Star recreation in yr two. This seems like a protected wager. If Wembanyama begins the season like he completed final, it received’t even be a dialog. The fan vote alone ought to carry him, as he’s shortly grow to be probably the most well-liked gamers within the league.

The higher query is, can he make an All-NBA workforce on the finish of the season? Wembanyama has the chance to place up a loopy stat line whereas being probably the most impactful defenders round. The sky is the restrict this season for the large man.

When you’re on the lookout for a participant who breaks out and establishes themselves as a key piece of the Spurs core, look no additional than the rookie. Over half of respondents assume Citadel can have an enormous rookie season. He’s seemed prepared for the NBA within the preseason, attacking downhill and making some candy passes within the half-court. His mid-range recreation has seemed higher than he confirmed in faculty, too. Add these offensive developments with a excessive motor on the defensive finish, and Citadel may grow to be a rotation staple very quickly.

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