Victor Wembanyama has restored Spurs' gold-standard status

Unlike most mid-market NBA teams, the San Antonio Spurs have a long track record of success, including having won five championships. That changed when they were forced to undergo a lengthy rebuild that resulted in them missing the playoffs six straight years.

Fortunately, thanks to superstar Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs are back to their winning ways and on pace to win 60 games. His impact can't be understated.

Since he was taken first overall in the 2023 NBA Draft, he has given this team a focal point to build around, something they didn't have early on during their rebuild. Once they had an elite prospect, everything quickly fell into place.

Victor Wembanyama has restored San Antonio's gold-standard status

We are seeing the end result now with Wembanyama having restored San Antonio to their place among the NBA's elite.

What is so impressive about this year's Spurs is that they are rapidly improving in real time. First they managed to exceed expectations, quickly proving doubters wrong, and then they absolutely exploded.

The Spurs have gone 26-3 over their last 29 games. They are also one of just 15 teams in NBA history to have gone at least 23-2 in a 25-game stretch with a double-digit average margin of victory.

Nine of those teams went on to win the championship the same season they accomplished that feat. The Silver and Black could very well be the 10th team to do so this year.

The Spurs are rapidly improving, with Wembanyama to thank

Wembanyama's performance after the All-Star break has helped to fuel San Antonio's dominance as they ramp up for the playoffs.

It isn't just San Antonio peaking at the right time; it's their young core all taking steps forward in season. Even though Wembanyama is already one of the best players in the NBA, he continues to evolve.

He's posting truly monster numbers of late, averaging 26 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 3.7 blocks over the last 25 games. That's despite having his minutes closely monitored.

Once the minutes restriction gets lifted in the playoffs, he could unleash his full potential and help San Antonio go on a deep playoff run.

Looking beyond that, he is a franchise cornerstone that could help San Antonio remain contenders for the next decade plus.

That assumes he stays healthy and remains in San Antonio. Assuming that he can and does, he will fully restore the Spurs' gold standard status.