The San Antonio Spurs are a weird case study in patience. For decades, the franchise was a machine. They won five rings, never missed the playoffs, and basically operated with the cold, efficient logic of a Swiss watch. Then the floor fell out. Now? It’s January 2026, and the vibe has shifted from "rebuilding" to something much more dangerous for the rest of the league.
Victor Wembanyama is no longer just a skinny kid with a high ceiling. He’s 22. He’s 7’5”. Honestly, he’s a problem.
As of mid-January 2026, the Spurs are sitting at a 27-13 record, holding down the second spot in the Western Conference. If you told a Spurs fan two years ago they’d be breathing down the necks of the top seed by now, they’d have asked what you were drinking. But the roster isn't just Wemby and a bunch of guys anymore.
The New Hierarchy in San Antonio
The most jarring change this season isn't just Victor’s stat line—though averaging 24 points and 11 rebounds is absurd. It’s the supporting cast. The front office finally got aggressive. Trading for De’Aaron Fox from Sacramento in February 2025 was the "all-in" moment. Fox brings a north-south speed that the Spurs haven't had since... well, ever.
You’ve also got Dylan Harper, the rookie who went number two overall in the 2025 Draft. He’s already pushing for minutes and showing a poise that usually takes years to develop.
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Then there’s Stephon Castle. He was the 2024-25 Rookie of the Year for a reason. Watching him play defense is like watching a hawk hunt. He’s relentless. Between Castle’s perimeter lockdown and Wembanyama’s rim protection, the Spurs' defense has become a literal nightmare for opposing guards.
The Coaching Transition Nobody Saw Coming
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: Gregg Popovich.
After 29 seasons on the bench, Pop finally stepped away from coaching in May 2025. It was emotional. It was heavy. He suffered a stroke in late 2024, and while he’s back in the building as the President of Basketball Operations, the clipboard now belongs to Mitch Johnson.
Johnson has a different energy. He’s younger, obviously. He doesn't give the same "get off my lawn" interviews, but the system is still there. The ball moves. People cut. The "Spurs Way" didn't die with Pop's retirement; it just got a software update.
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Project Marvel and the Downtown Dream
If you visit San Antonio right now, you can’t escape the talk about the new arena. The city just approved $31 million to buy land in the Hemisfair area. They’re calling it "Project Marvel." Basically, the Spurs want to move out of the Frost Bank Center and into a $1.3 billion downtown district.
It makes sense. The current arena is fine, but it’s out on an island. Putting a basketball palace in the heart of the city, surrounded by hotels and shops, is the kind of big-market move the Spurs used to avoid. Not anymore. They know they have a global icon in Wembanyama, and they’re building a stage big enough to hold him.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Team
People see the wins and think it’s easy. It’s not. There are growing pains. Bismack Biyombo, who they signed to be a veteran presence, has basically given them nothing on the court this season. They’re still prone to weird skids, like the January slide they just went through.
They also aren't "old school" anymore. This team shoots. They run. They’re 3-0 against the Oklahoma City Thunder this season, which is a massive psychological hurdle to clear.
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The Future Draft Stash
Even while winning, the Spurs are still hoarding assets. Thanks to the Dejounte Murray trade years ago, they have a swap option with the Atlanta Hawks for 2026. Since the Hawks are struggling, the Spurs might actually land another lottery pick while they’re simultaneously chasing a 50-win season.
It’s an unfair advantage. Most teams have to choose between winning and building for the future. The Spurs are somehow doing both.
How to Follow the Spurs Right Now
If you’re heading to a game at the Frost Bank Center this month, here’s the move:
- Check out the Taco Palenque stand. It’s new in Section 124. The Casita bowl is the way to go.
- Get there early for the Courtside Experience. You can watch warm-ups from the first 13 rows if you time it right. Seeing Wembanyama’s wingspan in person is the only way to realize he’s actually real.
- Watch the Fox-Wemby PNR. It’s the most efficient play in their book.
The San Antonio Spurs aren't just a "nice story" about a tall French guy anymore. They are a legitimate contender with a deep roster, a massive war chest of draft picks, and a city ready to build them a billion-dollar home. The era of being the "quiet" team in the corner is officially over.
Actionable Insight: If you're looking at the NBA landscape for the next three years, stop waiting for the Spurs to "arrive." They are already here. Keep an eye on the 2026 NBA Draft; that Atlanta swap could give them the final wing piece they need to dominate the West for a decade.