The San Antonio Spurs have dropped their last two games, falling to the Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns. In both games, Victor Wembanyama looked contained and often sluggish.
Of course, there’s no need to panic, at least not yet. The Spurs lost Dylan Harper to a calf injury for the next couple of weeks, and De’Aaron Fox has yet to make his season debut. The team has been without its best facilitator and second-best scorer, although Fox is expected to return somewhat soon.
The Spurs are building around Wembanyama. It’s safe to say that his timeline has sped up as he rapidly improves, and the Spurs could slam their foot on the gas at the trade deadline.
The Spurs have the draft capital assets and salaries on the books to conduct a blockbuster trade, but they might decide to pump the brakes instead and play the long game.
GettySAN ANTONIO, TX – FEBRUARY 29: Center Chet Holmgren #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder drives towards the basket against Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs at Frost Bank Center on February 29, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Brien Aho/Getty Images)
San Antonio Spurs to Follow OKC Thunder’s Model
Between Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren, the Oklahoma City Thunder have one of the best trios in the league. Add depth pieces like Isaiah Hartenstein, Lu Dort, Alex Caruso, Ajay Mitchell, and others, and the Thunder are poised for long-term success.
Critically, only Caruso arrived via trade at the height of his powers. Gilgeous-Alexander was a solid youngster when the Thunder traded for him, but his breakout has been unexpected, to say the least.
The Thunder instead built through the draft and developed their players. The Spurs, for the most part, are expected to follow the same route.
“I think they’re more internal,” said insider Shams Charania on an appearance with Rich Kleiman. “I think the big move they made last year was getting De’Aaron Fox. And then I think from there, they really want to see what this group internally can do. Because, kind of like Oklahoma City the last few years, we don’t really know what we have until we see what our players can do come playoff time. And I think that’s the next step for them, is going into the playoffs with this group, seeing what they can do in the playoffs.”
The Spurs haven’t made the postseason since 2019. Getting their current core playoff reps and seeing if they can rise to the occasion is a priority before making another splasy move.
Keep in mind, Fox and Wembanyama have only played five games together.
San Antonio Spurs ‘Tweaks’ to Come Next Season
The Spurs could make a blockbuster trade before the deadline. They have the means to add Lauri Markkanen, Giannis Antetokounmpo, or any other star included in trade rumors.
Just because they can doesn’t mean they will.
“From there, I think you make judgments,” said Charania of a possible Spurs’ playoff appearance. “You make the right tweaks that you need to make on your roster.”
The NBA postseason is a totally different beast. Until the Spurs prove that they can or can’t hang with the added pressure, expect any deadline moves to be underwhelming.
San Antonio Spurs Expected to Copy Rival’s Route to Build a Winner