Victor Wembanyama’s well being scare put a pause on the Spurs’ improvement

Since February 20, all the things has modified for the Spurs and Victor Wembanyama. Information of his deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and the next finish of his season has despatched shockwaves by means of the NBA world, however most significantly, it has deeply affected Spurs followers and Victor’s world supporters.

Dr. Evan Jeffries, a bodily therapist and well-known NBA & NFL harm analyst, reassured Newsweek:

“The primary factor is that they caught it early, and it didn’t dislodge and unfold to important organs such because the mind, coronary heart, or lungs. He will probably be on blood thinners for no less than three months and can want adverse scans earlier than returning to basketball.”

It’s a critical situation, and whereas there’s at all times a worry of a career-ending consequence—like what occurred to Chris Bosh—we are able to stay hopeful. If issues go effectively, Wembanyama might observe a restoration path just like Brandon Ingram and return wholesome for the 2025-26 season.

The Spurs aren’t the identical with out Victor

Since Wemby’s departure, the Spurs have struggled, going 2-6 of their final eight video games. The group has lacked its spark.

There’s a French saying: “Un seul être vous manque et tout est dépeuplé.”

Roughly translated, it means: ”Only one particular person is lacking, and your world feels empty.”

The true which means although is about despair “Only one particular person is lacking (out of your world), and your world turns into an enormous wasteland ”.

That completely describes the present state of the Spurs. Victor had rapidly grow to be the center and soul of the group, not simply on the court docket but additionally because the franchise’s id. His presence unified the fanbase and reignited hope. Now, along with his season reduce brief, the joy has been deflated—and we discover ourselves again in lottery discussions but once more.

Fox-Wemby Connection: A Misplaced Alternative

One of the crucial irritating points of this setback is the missed alternative for Victor and De’Aaron Fox to construct chemistry. The blockbuster commerce for Fox was a game-changer, giving Wemby the elite level guard he wanted to take his recreation to the following stage.

Reflecting on Wembanyama’s profession, he’s solely had one true lead PG as soon as: Tremont Waters (ex Celtics) in the course of the first half of his season with the Metropolitans. The early returns have been spectacular.

Waters on taking part in with Wemby, on the 3:30 minute mark:

Simply as issues have been coming collectively for the Spurs’ subsequent evolution, Wemby’s absence has paused that progress. Now, we wait.

What’s Subsequent for the Spurs?

1. Lottery Odds & Draft Technique

Each remaining recreation issues—not for wins, however for positioning within the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery. The perfect state of affairs?

The Spurs and Hawks end beneath the Bulls. This could improve the possibilities of Chicago’s decide touchdown exterior the High 10 and conveying to the Spurs.
If the Spurs end within the Backside 8 and the Hawks land at #9, San Antonio would have a 6% likelihood and Atlanta (our decide) a 4.5% likelihood on the **#1 total decide, that’s a mixed 10.5% likelihood for a High-4 choice. (Tough estimate not taking into consideration tie-breakers, however exhibiting the combining worth of Spurs and Hawks picks).

The High 5 prospects on this draft are elite, however after that, it turns into very PG-heavy from picks 5 to12. The Spurs want a excessive decide.

2. Subsequent Season: The Victor-Fox Duo Should Thrive

Victor’s restoration timeline will probably be key. If all goes effectively, he’ll return in time for coaching camp, the place his conditioning and chemistry with Fox will probably be priorities. The sooner they construct that connection, the higher the Spurs’ possibilities of beginning sturdy.

3. Championship Window: 2026-27 or 27-28

The massive-picture aim stays a title-contending group by the 2026-27 season. Subsequent yr, the Spurs should end within the High 4-6 within the Western Convention to remain on observe for that aim. Their seemingly beginning 5?

PG: De’Aaron Fox

SG: Stephon Fort

SF/PF: Jeremy Sochan

PF/C: Victor Wembanyama

SF/PF/C: TBD

The upcoming draft and offseason strikes will decide if the Spurs can fast-track their rebuild into rivalry.

Ought to Wemby Signify the Spurs on the Lottery?

The NBA Draft Lottery is ready for Could 12 in Chicago. Ought to the Spurs ship Victor? In any case, Peter J. Holt introduced us Wemby when he attended in 2023. May Victor carry us one other stroke of lottery luck?

[Watch Holt’s lottery magic]

One factor is for certain: With Wemby, the Spurs’ future continues to be extremely vibrant. Let’s simply hope this setback is just momentary.