If you haven’t watched a game at the Frost Bank Center lately, you’re missing a legit revolution. Honestly, the San Antonio Spurs aren't just a "developing" team anymore. They're sitting 2nd in the Western Conference as of January 2026 with a 28-13 record.
Think about that.
The days of tanking for lottery balls are dead. Now, everyone wants to know who the best players on spurs actually are, because the hierarchy has shifted wildly since the start of the 2025-26 season. It's not just the Wemby show anymore, even if he's still the main event.
The roster is a weird, beautiful mix of "The Extraterrestrial," a savvy veteran point guard they stole from Sacramento, and some of the most polished young wings in the league. People still think this is a bottom-feeder team. They're wrong.
The Absolute Apex: Victor Wembanyama
Let’s not overthink this. Victor Wembanyama is the best player on the team, the best player in the state of Texas, and arguably the most impactful defender on the planet right now.
He’s averaging 23.9 points, 10.9 rebounds, and a terrifying 2.7 blocks per game. But stats don't tell the whole story. He just dropped 22 points and 10 boards on Giannis and the Bucks in only 22 minutes. That’s not normal.
There’s been some drama with his knee recently—a bone bruise that had him coming off the bench for a few games in early January—but he’s back in the starting five now. When he’s on the floor, the geometry of the game changes. Teams just stop driving to the rim. It’s basically a "No Fly Zone" with a French accent.
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- PPG: 23.9
- RPG: 10.9
- BPG: 2.7
- The "Vibe" Check: Unstoppable when healthy.
The Engine: De’Aaron Fox
The trade that brought De’Aaron Fox to San Antonio in February 2025 was the turning point. It's the move that turned a project into a contender.
Fox is putting up 20.4 points and 5.8 assists while playing a team-high 32.3 minutes. He gives the Spurs something they haven't had since Tony Parker: a guy who can get to his spot whenever he wants.
His chemistry with Wemby in the pick-and-roll is getting kind of scary. Fox's speed forces the defense to collapse, and when they do, he either lobs it to the rafters for Victor or finds the shooters. He’s also leading the team in steals (1.3 per game), proving he’s actually buying into the "Spurs Culture" on the defensive end.
The "How Did We Get Him?" Factor: Luke Kornet
Okay, if you told a Spurs fan two years ago that Luke Kornet would be a top-three most important player on a winning team, they’d have laughed you out of the building.
But here we are.
Kornet has been a revelation. With Wemby’s minutes being managed due to that knee issue, Kornet has stepped in and played like a beast. He’s averaging 8.2 points and 6.9 rebounds on an absurd 66.9% shooting.
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The Spurs signed him to a 4-year, $41 million deal that looks like a total steal now. He’s 7'1" and actually knows how to use his size. There's even talk from fans on Reddit and local San Antonio media about him potentially starting next to Wemby long-term. A new "Twin Towers" era? Maybe. He’s definitely one of the best players on spurs this season in terms of pure value.
The Young Guns: Castle and Harper
Stephon Castle is making a massive case for back-to-back Rookie of the Year honors for the Spurs (following Wemby). He’s averaging 17.3 points and leading the team with 6.9 assists.
His vision is elite.
Then you have the 2025 #2 overall pick, Dylan Harper. He’s still finding his footing, averaging 10.5 points, but his downhill driving is already NBA-ready. Between Castle, Harper, and Devin Vassell (who’s still a flamethrower from deep at 37.9% on 3s), the Spurs' backcourt is suddenly the deepest it's been in a decade.
The Shooting Dilemma
One thing people are arguing about right now is Harrison Barnes. He's a pro's pro, but he's struggling. Fans are calling for Julian Champagnie to take his starting spot. Champagnie is shooting 41.3% from three and brings a switchability that Barnes is starting to lose with age.
Why the Spurs are Different in 2026
It’s about the depth. Look at this rotation:
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- Victor Wembanyama (The Star)
- De’Aaron Fox (The General)
- Stephon Castle (The Future)
- Devin Vassell (The Sniper)
- Luke Kornet (The Anchor)
They aren't relying on one guy to do everything. Even Keldon Johnson has settled into a perfect "6th Man" role, bruising people off the bench and shooting a career-high 56.3% from the floor.
The Spurs have gone from a "one-player team" to a "system team" that just happens to have a 7'4" alien. They are currently 2nd in the West for a reason. They don't beat themselves. They move the ball (2nd in the league in assists). And they defend the rim better than anyone.
What You Should Do Next
If you’re looking to track the best players on spurs as the season heads toward the playoffs, keep a close eye on the injury report regarding Wembanyama’s knee. The team is being ultra-cautious, but their record without him has stayed surprisingly solid because of guys like Fox and Kornet.
Check the box scores for Julian Champagnie’s minutes. If he moves into the starting lineup over Harrison Barnes, expect the Spurs' offensive spacing to get even better. This is a team that is built for a deep May run, and the window is opening much faster than anyone predicted.
Follow the "minutes played" for Dylan Harper too—if he hits a rookie wall, it might force more pressure on Fox, but if he keeps developing his mid-range game, the Spurs might be the scariest out in the Western Conference.