The Spurs entered this season with a new sense of hope, carried by the presence of Victor Wembanyama, the most highly anticipated rookie since maybe ever. Yet, as the season unfolds, it’s clear that even having a generational talent isn’t enough if the team can’t figure out how to consistently get their players to play their best at the same time.
Spurs consistently struggle to put together complete games
This inconsistency has been the Spurs’ Achilles’ heel, particularly when it comes to their core players—Wembanyama, Devin Vassell, Stephon Castle, and Jeremy Sochan. In December, the Alien delivered the best month of his career, averaging an electrifying 28.5 points per game.
His dominance should have been a catalyst for success, but the team only managed a .500 record. On too many nights, some combination of Vassell, Castle, or Sochan failed to show up with complementary performances. Castle gets the least blame as a rookie, but he's worth a mention simply because of how awesome he's been more than a few times.
January has been no kinder. While Vassell and Castle have stepped up in recent games, averaging 21.7 and 23 points respectively over the last three contests, Wemby's production has cooled to 20.4 points per game. That’s still a solid output, but a noticeable dip from his December peak. On top of that, Sochan has been out with an injury, further hampering the team’s ability to find consistency.
Even with three players averaging 20+ points, the Spurs are losing because they're struggling with efficiency. Wemby's 20 points are coming on 18 shots. That's not getting it done and as a result, they've gone 2-5 in January. If it's not one thing, it's another. It shows us that the issue isn’t just about scoring points; it’s about inefficiency and poor defense.
Wembanyama’s offensive production may have dipped, but his presence still impacts the game. Unfortunately, the lack of cohesion and timely contributions from the supporting cast has often left the team unable to keep up against the NBA’s elite during the toughest month of the season.
This season has tested the Spurs in every way. Injuries, roster shuffling, and even the extended absence of Gregg Popovich after a health scare have made it difficult for this young team to find its footing. While fans have been waiting for a return to the glory days, it’s clear that the process is far from over.
Wembanyama’s arrival has undoubtedly elevated the franchise’s ceiling, but basketball is a team sport, and one player—even a generational talent—can’t do it alone. For the Spurs to stop their slide, they need to figure out how to get all their key players firing on all cylinders simultaneously. Until then, the losses will continue to pile up, leaving fans to wonder when this young team will finally put it all together.