Though the San Antonio Spurs ended the 2026 NBA Finals with a loss to the New York Knicks, the run to get there felt like a beginning for Victor Wembanyama.
The NBA's reigning defensive player of the year enters the 2026-27 NBA season as the early betting favorite to win MVP honors. Wembanyama also agreed to a new contract extension in July in which he took less money than he could have received had he waited until next year to sign. This will help San Antonio maintain a young core that showed during last year's postseason run it's capable of being a title contender for the next decade.
The emergence of 2025 No. 2 overall pick Dylan Harper and the addition of veteran forward Tobias Harris have further fueled optimism (and expectations) concerning
the Spurs' future. But their immediate NBA title hopes, and long-term dreams of forging another franchise dynasty, ultimately hinge on Wembanyama.
Is this the year he officially becomes the NBA's best player?
Here's a breakdown of the San Antonio Spurs' offseason moves and what to expect from them heading into the 2026-27 NBA season:
San Antonio Spurs offseason review
- Record last season: 62-20 (2nd in Western Conference)
- Playoff finish: Lost in NBA Finals to New York Knicks (4-2)
- Coach: Mitch Johnson (3rd season)
- 2026-27 title odds: +260 (per BetMGM)
- Projected record: 60-22
- Offseason grade: B-
Key roster additions
- F Tobias Harris
- F Jayden Quantenance (No. 20 pick in 2026 NBA Draft)
- C Tarris Reed Jr. (No. 26 pick in 2026 NBA Draft)
Key roster losses
- C Kelly Olynyk
Biggest question entering training camp
Is the Spurs' backcourt too crowded?
- Dylan Harper's ascent during the Spurs' postseason run has intensified speculation about whether the Spurs can effectively divvy up minutes between Harper, Stephon Castle and De'Aaron Fox, and whether the franchise can afford to keep Fox in the fold with both young players emerging as stars. Harper needs more than the 22.6 minutes per game he received as a rookie, and Fox could be the player most affected. It will be a delicate balance for coach Mitch Johnson this season if all three players are healthy.
Projected starting lineup and rotation
Starters
- G De'Aaron Fox
- G Stephon Castle
- G/F Devin Vassell
- F Tobias Harris
- C Victor Wembanyama
Rotation players
- G Dylan Harper
- F Carter Bryant
- F Julian Champagnie
- F Keldon Johnson
- F Harrison Barnes
- F/C Luke Kornet
What to expect in 2026-27 season
The Spurs will have a target on them in the Western Conference after making the NBA Finals, but that should matter little if Wembanyama's evolution into perhaps the sport's most dominant player continues. The reigning NBA defensive player of the year still has room to grow offensively, and the added scoring punch from Harris, combined with the expected development of Harper and Castle, make San Antonio a trendy NBA title pick again. Anything less than a run to the Western Conference finals would be viewed as a disappointment.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: San Antonio Spurs season preview: Lineup, roster and prediction
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