Grading the Spurs midseason: Highs, lows and surprises halfway through the year

With the conclusion of their road contest with the Miami Heat on Sunday, the San Antonio Spurs are now officially one half of the way through the 2024-25 season. With 50% of the campaign now in the rearview, we know quite a bit more about this squad than we did in October.

It is clear that albeit improved, this Spurs roster is still a ways away from being a solidified playoff team in the Western Conference. Competition is deep in the West as always, and San Antonio still just has far too many questions left unanswered to truly contend right now.

Even so, there have been positives to take away from this season. This is how every Spurs player earning an average of at least 12 minutes of playing time per night has performed through the first half of the year.

Victor Wembanyama - Grade: A-

While he has had some moments of inconsistency, Wemby has been playing mostly as advertised in his hyped sophomore season, showcasing his two-way ability and proving that he is already one of the best players in this league. Some may scoff at his uptick in three-point attempts, but check the numbers. His shooting percentages are all up from his rookie year.

Devin Vassell - Grade: C+

After missing time to begin the year due to injury, Devin Vassell came out of the gate with some disappointing performances and more than a few rough shooting nights. It certainly hasn't been the strongest season for the fifth-year guard. But as he slowly rounds into form, Vassell is reminding everyone that it is still too early to count out a scorer of his magnitude.

Chris Paul - B

While not as sharp as he once was physically, Chris Paul possesses one of the best basketball minds in the association. That alone has made him a valuable contributor for the Spurs all season long, and the depths to which he has helped mold Wembanyama as a player cannot be measured with statistics. His veteran presence has been greatly appreciated, and CP3 has certainly raised the ceiling of this group.

Jeremy Sochan - B+

While Jeremy Sochan may not be the most complete player on the Spurs' roster, his skillset is undoubtedly valuable. We have seen recently how much San Antonio misses his contributions since he has been sidelined due to injury. Sochan brings a level of intensity that helps the Spurs retain a defensive identity. For that, he earns a B+.

Harrison Barnes - B+

When the Spurs brought in Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes, they were looking for seasoned veterans that could inject some life into this otherwise young and mostly inexperienced group. Barnes has lived up to his billing, and he has shot the ball excellently in his first season in South Texas.

Julian Champagnie - A-

This season has been one where Julian Champagnie truly cemented himself as an important member of this squad going forward. His solid all-around play including strong shooting performances and defensive impact has made him one of the clear top impact players on the roster. Throw in his contract value, and Champagnie is one of the most important wings on this roster without question.

Stephon Castle - A

There is a ton to like about Stephon Castle's potential, and he has already showcased so much in just the first half of his rookie season. The shooting numbers will gradually improve for the youngster, and his athleticism and defensive ability are off the charts. Castle has been just about everything the Spurs could have hoped for thus far.

Keldon Johnson - C

It's been an interesting year for Keldon Johnson, and the results have not been exactly what Spurs fans were hoping for. Coming off the bench all season, Johnson has struggled shooting the ball at times and has looked uncomfortable more than expected. He can still turn things around, but seeing his scoring average decrease for a second consecutive season has been troubling.

Tre Jones - C

With Chris Paul coming to town, Tre Jones moved to the bench, and his production has changed significantly. After putting up at least 10 points per game for the last two seasons, Jones is down to just a 3.7 points average and is getting on the floor for just 16.3 minutes per night. The minutes being lower has obviously affected him, but his offensive game has been frustrating to watch at times.

Zach Collins - D

After starting 55 games over the previous two seasons, Zach Collins is another guy whose role has decreased. Perhaps that is for the best, given that his play has been questionable at best. Collins has struggled at both ends of the floor, and his role has shrunk even more over the last several weeks. He has played just 7.7 minutes per night over his last 10 games, while averaging only 2.4 points. Honestly, a D grade feels generous here.