As training camp approaches, the hype for the San Antonio Spurs is getting louder and louder. They're one of the premier teams to watch now after a years-long rebuild, but this new season carries a ton of weight. The basketball world is eager to see if they can expand on last year's success.
So, before the first preseason ball is tipped, here are five bold predictions for the Spurs' highly anticipated 2026-27 campaign. These things could ultimately set the stage for their first championship since 2014.
Prediction #1: Keldon Johnson will regain the trust of the Spurs fanbase
After a rough playoff performance, the chatter around Keldon Johnson's future with the team hasn't been favorable. The eighth-year forward struggled to find any rhythm on that stage, and with the Spurs' deeper frontcourt rotation, his margin for error next season is much smaller.
But Johnson deserves some grace. Like most players on San Antonio's roster, last season was his first brush with the playoffs. What if that experience shapes him into a better player? It wouldn't be crazy to imagine him being sharper offensively off the bench, especially as he blends into a smaller role next to the Spurs' new additions.
He won't have the rock in his hands as much, but if KJ can operate efficiently in a lesser role and grind it out on defense, Spurs fans can wipe his postseason struggles from their memory.
Prediction #2: Victor Wembanyama will have at least two 50-point games
If you already thought Victor Wembanyama was an offensive juggernaut, buckle up your seatbelts for what's on the horizon. After struggling to find his flow during the NBA Finals, The Alien is about to take a massive leap as a scorer, asserting his dominance and consistently finding his kill spots.
As he continues to develop chemistry with his teammates, they'll improve at getting him the ball where he needs it. This will lead to some explosive individual scoring performances from Victor, including a handful of 50-point outbursts.
Prediction #3: Dylan Harper will make the All-Star Game
At this point, it seems obvious that Dylan Harper will see a massive increase in minutes and could potentially snatch a spot in San Antonio's starting lineup. He's already proven how dominant he can be with ample playing time, so an All-Star leap seems to be right around the corner.
Additionally, he'll be a better basketball player. You can count on Harper to improve his jump shot and playmaking chops, which will be a nightmare for opponents. There isn't much standing in the way of him heading to Arizona to compete against the best talent the league has to offer.
Prediction #4: The Spurs win every matchup against the Knicks
San Antonio is scheduled to play the Knicks twice next season (and possibly one more time in the NBA Cup), giving them the perfect opportunity to avenge their disappointing NBA Finals loss.
Their roster is well-equipped to flip the script on their Eastern Conference rivals. The Spurs have more interior depth around Victor Wembanyama, and with added experience under their belt, they'll do a much better job executing in the clutch against Mike Brown's squad. That was the biggest difference between the two groups in the Finals.
Prediction #5: Tobias Harris wins Sixth Man of The Year
Tobias Harris has been an above-average scorer throughout most of his NBA career, but he doesn't have a single individual accolade on his resume. Throughout his prime, front offices and fans alike waited patiently for him to at least make an All-Star Game or two, but it never happened.
What if the first award of his career came in a role that he isn't used to playing? Harris is usually a starter, but in San Antonio, there's a good chance he operates as their sixth man. That'll especially be the case if Dylan Harper joins the starting five.
At this point in his career, that may be where Harris is best utilized: providing an efficient scoring punch off the bench for Mitch Johnson's squad. He can definitely maintain a double-digit average as a reserve and could also be a weapon in closing situations.
San Antonio is ready to shock the basketball world again. If these predictions can become a reality, they can live up to their sky-high preseason expectations.
