Could surprise injury recovery strengthen the Spurs before the end of the season?

UPDATE: The Spurs released an injury report that previously listed Charles Bassey as doubtful, but that update has since been taken down. We're awaiting the next injury report for more clarification.

Everyone knew the San Antonio Spurs needed more on the roster to compete at a high level. After all, an organization that picks number one overall in a draft can only do so after a failed season, barring a trade. Those teams are often not a rookie away from playoff contention, no matter how talented the prospect is. It would have been like asking Harry Potter to beat Voldemort during his first year at Hogwarts. It just does not happen like that.

It was evident the Spurs would eventually need a point guard after drafting Victor Wembanyama. Tre Jones, while solid, does not feel like a starting point guard on a championship team. The roster also needs wing depth and shooters, but the one area where San Antonio should have been solid is their frontcourt rotation.

There have been several reasons that rotation has been compromised, but none bigger than Charles Bassey's ACL tear in December. He had been feared to be lost for the season until a recent injury update in preparation for the Spurs game versus the Dallas Mavericks.

Bassey's return would be a huge boost Spurs

When Charles was injured, he was in the middle of a G League game, dropping 30 points, 13 rebounds, five assists, and four blocks. Bassey had been returning to full form after dealing with injuries last season, so it was unfortunate to see him suffer another one to sideline him for an extended amount of time. News of an earlier-than-expected return would certainly give the players a boost as this is a very close-knit group.

His presence on the court would also be welcome to help reinforce a defense that is improved but still struggles with consistency and rim protection when Wembanyama is not in the game. He brings the toughness and athleticism that this young team needs. The only downside would be that it would make getting on the floor nearly impossible for Sandro Mamukelashvili, but let's be honest, Coach Pop was not playing him anyway, so bring on Bassey.