The Spurs' elite defense has a chance to pull off a difficult feat

The new-look Spurs are no strangers to accomplishing the abnormal. Last season's playoff run is the best proof of that, as their collective lack of experience couldn't keep them from making the NBA Finals. They have a chance to pull off another difficult feat: sending three players to the All-Defensive Team between Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle, and Devin Vassell.

Only a select few teams reached this milestone over the last few years. The Milwaukee Bucks and Philadelphia 76ers did it in 2020 and 2021, respectively. Before that, the Memphis Grizzlies were the most recent example, as Marc Gasol, Mike Conley, and Tony Allen made the cut in 2013.

If there's any team that can pick up the baton those groups once carried, it's San Antonio. Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle, and Devin Vassell already proved their defensive dominance on the biggest stage last season; now it's time for voters to give each of them their proper due.

These Spurs players have what it takes to make All-Defense next season

It seems obvious that Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle are in a good position to earn All-Defense nods next season. Wemby is already the best rim-protector in the league, and he's eyeing his second straight DPoY award. If he stays healthy, nothing's stopping him from grabbing every imaginable award in this area of the game.

Castle was one of the NBA's premier point-of-attack defenders last season, but he didn't bring home any hardware to show for it. He should be hungry to come back even stronger in the 2026-27 campaign, continuing to clamp down on the league's top perimeter scorers.

Devin Vassell could also find himself on that list. He was amazing on that side of the floor during his first playoff appearance, using his length and mobility to force opponents into tough shots or turnovers. He's no longer the Spurs' best-kept secret; the entire basketball world took notice of his astronomical defensive impact, so he's impossible to overlook at this point.

If you combine that with his elite shooting prowess, Vassell is one of the NBA's best two-way wings. He'll be a mainstay in their rotation next season despite some new additions to the roster. There aren't many players who embody that 3&D archetype quite like him, so it's definitely possible he ends up on an All-Defensive team alongside Castle and Wemby.

The Spurs' biggest roadblock is health

Now, there's one caveat to keep in mind: availability. Under the new CBA, each player must log at least 20 minutes in 65 games to be considered for any major award. For some, this has proven cumbersome, and that was apparent last season with several critics speaking out against this rule.

Luckily, these three Spurs are pretty durable. Wemby played in 65 games last season, and with a deeper frontcourt, Mitch Johnson can better manage his minutes. This lowers his chances of getting injured and missing time.

Stephon Castle also met that 65-game threshold last season and didn't miss a single contest in the playoffs. With Dylan Harper's growth and a strong bounce-back from De'Aaron Fox, he can focus even more on competing at his hardest on defense without overworking himself.

Devin Vassell was also a force to be reckoned with last season, competing in 67 games. Similar to Castle, he was available in each of San Antonio's 23 postseason contests.

The Spurs have a chance to take the Thunder's spot as the NBA's staple defensive powerhouse. If there is any team capable of having three of their best stoppers make All-Defense, it's them. Outside of any unforeseen health problems, this possibility could soon become a reality.

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