3 Bold Predictions as the San Antonio Spurs kick off the Wembanyama Era

The title of this article is self-explanatory, and avid Air Alamo readers might remember a similar post from me last season. For transparency, I went 0-of-5 on those predictions. They're called bold takes for a reason! The goal is to get at least one right this go-round, so tune in tonight as our San Antonio Spurs host the Dallas Mavericks to see how these fresh forecasts fare.

1.) Wemby becomes first rookie to make All-NBA since Tim Duncan

Starting out the gates HOT here, but you must be excessive when making a bold assertion about Victor Wembanyama. Many analysts have labeled the 19-year-old as a potential All-Star or ticketed him as an All-Defensive Team candidate as he enters his first year in the league. Taking home one or both of those prestigious honors would be a tremendous culmination of his rookie season, but we can take this one step further.

We are here to make audacious statements while remaining at least somewhat reasonable. This prediction stretches that premise to the max. Only 11 rookies have made an All-NBA team since 1960. The Silver and Black deserve a shoutout, as the most recent players to pull off that feat are both franchise legends. David Robinson did it first in 1990, and Tim Duncan followed in his footsteps in 1998.

Not to say that correlation implies causation, but that trend could spell positive things for the 7-foot-3 Frenchman. Anyone who watched Wemby dominate preseason against legitimate NBA players realized that although the Alien is only scratching his potential as a basketball player, he is going to make an impact all over the court immediately.

Depending on San Antonio's record this season, an All-Star appearance is definitely in the cards for Wembanyama. An All-Defense nod could also be on the horizon, especially for a guy who alters so many shots while guarding almost every inch of the court. Voters will start penning him in on every award ballot soon, but can he perform well enough to earn All-NBA recognition as a rookie?

What could hold this prediction back? — The new 65-game mandate for most awards and the Spurs potentially landing near the bottom of the league standings for a fifth consecutive season.

2.) Devin Vassell makes the first All-Defensive Team of his career

While Devin Vassell fell short on the defensive end last season, it is far from his fault for failing to meet my expectations. Not only did lingering knee issues limit him to 38 games in his third year with the Spurs, but the team lacked defensive aptitude from the top to the bottom of the rotation. The 6-foot-5 swingman was supposed to be a lockdown stopper right off the bat coming out of Florida State, and he will have a chance to make amends and prove himself on this end of the court.

As mentioned earlier, defense has fallen by the wayside in San Antonio over the last few years. However, this young squad has been outspoken about their desire to make noticeable strides in that area in nearly every press conference this offseason, and those improvements could be an x-factor in the Spurs rejoining the playoff picture. The defense will receive an instant jolt with the addition of Wembanyama. Combine that with a renewed focus, and the good guys might be cooking something special.

Assuming Devin gets the toughest perimeter matchup on most nights, he should have every opportunity to put up the stats necessary to make an All-Defensive Team. With Wemby roving off-ball, putting pressure on the passing lanes, and protecting the rim, there is a non-zero chance Vassell will lead the NBA in steals in 2023-24. Posting impressive individual stats paired with a massive leap in San Antonio's defensive effectiveness could mean Devin earns consideration when award season comes around.

What will hold this prediction back? — The Spurs are incredibly young, and they won’t be perfect on defense. Also, it is simply possible Vassell might not be the defender draft experts thought he could be.

3.) The Spurs hold off on making their all-in move this season

This take may not seem all that bold, but after the first two absolute scorchers, let’s tone things down for prediction number three. The Air Alamo staff has written several articles about potential moves as the Spurs configure their long-term rotation. But it is more likely the front office dangles a sought-after veteran on an expiring contract to add to their heap of second-round picks at the trade deadline than make a blockbuster deal that shakes the foundation of the team.

Though that whale of a deal will come at some point in the near future, the Spurs just landed their organizational cornerstone this summer. San Antonio will want to trim their roster to a solid eight to 10-man rotation, and they still have several questions to answer regarding their future outlook. Is Devin good enough to be the second banana to Wemby on a playoff team? Where does Keldon fit moving forward? What position should Jeremy play?

The team must find definitive answers to those questions before making a splash in free agency or green-lighting a monumental trade. San Antonio has nothing set in stone, of course, and more issues are sure to arise as the season goes on. The good news is the Spurs have all the time in the world. Following the Vassell and Zach Collins extensions, this young core will be here for the long haul. Expect patience from one of the best-run organizations in league history.

What will hold this prediction back? — If the Spurs exceed initial expectations and a disgruntled star becomes available, then San Antonio may make a big move sooner than anticipated.

As a gift to you, the reader, here are two more quick-hitting takes as we close out this piece:

1.) San Antonio finishes in the top ten in both three-point makes and attempts for the first time since 2013.

2.) The point guard of the future isn’t on the roster, but the ball movement will look the best it has in years.

You don't have to be too bold to realize there is plenty to be excited about for this team. With Victor Wembanyama leading the charge, the sky is the limit for the San Antonio Spurs. Thank goodness the season is finally here so that all the speculation can end. Settle in and enjoy the show.