3 Untouchable San Antonio Spurs not named Victor Wembanyama

The San Antonio Spurs found their franchise player in Victor Wembanyama, but are in no hurry to build a contender around the historic prospect. They want to give him time to develop, so the front office used their cap space this summer to stockpile picks and take on unwanted salaries via trade. The Spurs are positioned to strike whenever Wemby is ready to blossom.

Fans won’t have to wait long. History suggests a slow start, but signs of stardom by the All-Star break as a rookie. Legends usually have their team in position to make the playoffs in year two, and a deep postseason run comes while still on their rookie contract. Wembanyama may take a bit more time, but the Spurs will get the best out of the 7’3 big man.

Difficult decisions remain to create a contending roster, but who is a long-term building block? The Spurs would trade every player not named Wembanyama on their roster straight up for a superstar, but they value some of their talent more than other teams in the league. Those players are not going anywhere.

Untouchable San Antonio Spurs not named Victor Wembanyama

3. Keldon Johnson

Spurs general manager Brian Wright was quick to name Johnson untouchable days before they drafted Victor Wembanyama. The 6’5 wing is a Gregg Popovich player, and it helped earn him a spot on Team USA for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. The 23-year-old broke out in his fourth NBA season to average 22.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.9 assists in 32.7 minutes per game. He has not reached his prime, and there is still growth to come.

Johnson’s counting stats will likely take a step back with Wemby in the Alamo, but his efficiency will improve. He was likely a bit overused as the team’s top scorer last season and will settle into a more natural role around the 7’3 big man.

Keldon Johnson must improve his defense and consistently sink his jumpers to remain a key piece of their core. Things will revolve around Victor Wembanyama, but the 23-year-old will play a key role as the San Antonio Spurs transform into a contender.

2. Devin Vassell

Vassell was on his way to a breakout third season before suffering a knee injury that required surgery. He averaged 19.6 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.4 steals in 31.5 minutes per game through 28 contests, but he would only play ten games after that. His production dipped with his playing time after returning. Fans saw the flashes but were left wondering how healthy the 6’5 wing will be.

Spurs supporters are having some Kawhi Leonard flashbacks. Can Vassell get right or will the knee troubles follow him for the remainder of his career? Hopefully, last season was a one-off, and the 23-year-old will be ready to fully break out in year four.

Vassell’s jumper has improved every year, and the Spurs believe he can be a 40 percent 3-point shooter in his prime. Couple that with a strong mid-range game, and the Spurs could have an elite scorer on their hands.

Devin Vassell needs to improve his defense, but Victor Wembanyama will help. The 7’3 big man is an elite shot-blocker and rim protector who could be one of the best interior defenders in the NBA by his third season. That will make the entire Spurs defense look better. Expect Devin Vassell to take another step forward if he is healthy in the 2023-24 campaign.

1. Jeremy Sochan

The ninth overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft had a strong rookie season where he displayed a versatile skill set. Sochan only played 56 games, which included some rookie struggles, but his potential was on full display.

During the teenager's extended stretch of playing time, he averaged 13.9 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.9 assists in 28.3 minutes per game. His jumper is inconsistent, and there are several areas where he can improve, but producing in meaningful minutes as a rookie was a positive.

The 6’9 forward can handle the ball and defend multiple positions. He brings energy to the floor and improves the team’s versatility. Sochan fits in any lineup. He can be used as an offensive initiator or defensive specialist. The 20-year-old should be even better in year two and will be an impactful rotation piece over the next 15 years.

The San Antonio Spurs have zero interest in trading Jeremy Sochan. They have to make the pieces fit, including adding depth, but the front office has built a solid young core through the draft with multiple avenues to improve it. Sochan is the perfect glue player for their next contending roster.

The Spurs are not trading Victor Wembanyama, Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson, or Jeremy Sochan. Who is the next piece added to their young core? Stay tuned to find out.