1 non-negotiable change the San Antonio Spurs must make this season

Victor Wembanyama is a superstar in the making; that is a fact. His rare blend of size, athleticism, and unique skill set make him a one-of-a-kind talent. Last season, the NBA world just got a taste of what Wembanyama will become because of the heavy minutes restriction Spurs coach Gregg Popovich had him on.

Like most Spurs rookies, Wembanyama was slowly eased into the rotation and forced to learn the game gradually. This cannot be the case in 2024-2025 if Popovich and the Spurs want to return to title contention.

The simple answer is the best one for the Spurs

The Spurs have a lot to improve on going into the new season. After a 2023 season that showed some promise, the team still failed to make the playoffs for the fifth straight year. Furthermore, the Spurs have not won 50-plus games in almost a decade, proving that 'promise' can only go so far. Changes need to be made for the Spurs to improve.

The primary goal to compete in the Western Conference again is clear: San Antonio needs to get Wembanyama on the floor more often. Wemby had one of the greatest rookie seasons in NBA history, and he still has room to grow.

In the 2023-2024 season, Wemby averaged 21.4 points, 4 assists, 10.6 rebounds, and 3.3 blocks per game in just 29 minutes. His efficiency numbers were outstanding.

If he's given more minutes, continues to be a force on both ends, and develops a few more offensive moves, Wemby should have an even bigger season in year two.

Looking ahead, Spurs fans believe that the off-season acquisitions of Chris Paul and Stephon Castle demonstrate the team's need for more playmakers to support Wembanyama. Paul, a future hall-of-famer, has a proven track record of working with great players.

He has excelled in running the pick-and-roll with Tyson Chandler, throwing lobs to Blake Griffin, and finding Kevin Durant and Devin Booker in open space. With Wemby's exceptional skills, his potential as a player surpasses those of the aforementioned names, making the signing of Paul even more significant.

Paul is going to take Wembanyama's game to the next level, and that elevation could result in the Spurs team reaching new heights.

The saying "it can only go up from here" reflects the optimism the Spurs have as they head into the new season. The team's mix of young talent and veteran leadership is promising, and coach Gregg Popovich continues to be the perfect leader for the team.

The only setback right now is the news of Devin Vassell's injury, with his expected return sometime in November. The hope is that when Vassell is back in the lineup, especially alongside Wembanyama, the Spurs will have a successful season.

It is crucial for the Spurs to fully support Wembanyama and help him reach his full potential to achieve success this year. Wembanyama, also known as "The Alien," possesses extraordinary abilities that set him apart from others, making 2024 a potential breakout season for him.