De'Aaron Fox and two other Spurs players who can't afford to disappoint

The San Antonio Spurs' season got off to a disappointing start, but their success this year will hinge on the success of star De'Aaron Fox and two other key players. San Antonio is banking on Fox having a strong year and playing closer to the version of himself that they traded for.

If that happens, then the Spurs will be much better for it, but he's hardly the only player they need to step up. Next, we'll take a closer look at Fox and two other Spurs players who can't afford to disappoint this season.

Spurs: Keldon Johnson

It's hard to believe that forward Keldon Johnson is in his eighth season with the Spurs, but that's a testament to his ability to adapt. Still, he'll have his work cut out for him this season.

He will probably play a smaller role than ever before, with him unlikely to play any minutes at power forward and seeing decreasing minutes at the three. Despite that, I wouldn't count Johnson out just yet.

His high-energy play could be perfect for a 15-18-minute-per-game role where he comes in and outhustles everyone on the floor. That's a valuable player to have, and he's proven durable, coming off a season in which he played 105 total games.

If he makes more with less, then the Spurs could bring him back on a short-term deal next season. If he can't, then this season could be the last with the Silver and Black.

Spurs: De'Aaron Fox

No player on the Spurs has as much riding on this season as Fox. We all know about his disaster-class NBA Finals performance, but hopefully, he will begin his redemption arc this season. To his credit, he looked quicker in the preseason, and especially against OKC on opening night, than he did all of last season.

Fox should also benefit from starting the season healthy after he missed the team's first eight games in 2025-26. His not having a nagging injury and looking quicker than he did before bodes well for him.

However, it's anyone's guess how he'll play alongside Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper in the starting five. The best-case scenario is that he serves as the glue guy and helps unlock the Spurs' 3-point guard lineup.

The worst-case scenario is that he is less effective than he was last year, and his trade value decreases even further. Let's hope for the best-case scenario.

Spurs: Luke Kornet

Fan favorite Luke Kornet is entering a pivotal season with the Spurs. He was a crucial addition last season, though he wasn't nearly as effective in the playoffs. He got attacked defensively in the postseason and didn't look great in the preseason either.

Meanwhile, San Antonio got younger at center, adding Tarris Reed Jr. and Jayden Quaintance. Reed Jr. has quickly proven that he can step in and play NBA minutes at center. That should concern Kornet, whose role may diminish this season.

San Antonio having a reliable third option at center should help their depth and give them an alternative to Kornet. Particularly if Kornet isn't nearly as effective this season as he was last regular season.

Long term, the Spurs' goal is obviously to replace Kornet with Reed Jr. and Quaintance. Still, they are probably hoping for another strong season or two from him before it gets to that point. Let's hope that Kornet can be as impactful as he was in his first year with the team.

All in all, the Spurs need Fox, Johnson, and Kornet to have strong years for the team to live up to its full potential. As a result, they are three Spurs players who can't afford to disappoint.

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