It’s finally that time! After a shorter offseason than any other this decade but still a long 3 1/2 month wait, it’s finally Media Day for the 2026-27 Spurs. There was definitely a different vibe than recent years with the team fresh off a trip to the Finals but with a chip on their shoulder from the loss and still plenty of room to learn and grow. Here are the biggest takeaways.
Staff additions and promotions
Before things got started, the Spurs did a press release with all staff hires and promotions, including Billy Donovan as new
assistant coach as well as his son, Billy Donovan III (who was an Austin Spurs assistant back in 2017) in player development.
Dealing with higher expectations
With this being the first time most of these Spurs enter a new season fresh off a playoff appearance, let a lone a Finals ones, a new factor to deal with this season are greater expectations and having a target on their back. Here is what head coach Mitch Johnson, who in just two years of coaching has been on both ends of the expectation spectrum, had to say about meeting the moment:
“I understand that’s what comes with the field we’re in and the positions that we hold in our jobs, but it really doesn’t mean anything. There’s things we want to improve upon and things we felt like we did a good job of that we want to continue to grow in. The expectations are kind of like big games, right? There’s added enthusiasm, excitement, criticism, opinions. And I guess I’d say I’ve been on both sides of it now in this league one way or another, and I’ll take the (high) expectations.”
Speaking of higher expectations, Victor Wembanyama not only enters the season as the potential favorite for MVP, but he also managed to establish himself as a villain during the playoffs with his play, antics and emotions. As far has he’s concerned, that’s a sign of respect.
Acknowledging the past, preparing for the future
Everyone remembers what happened in the Finals and are using it has motivation. Wemby acknowledged that the losses kept him up at times but he learned to accept that it is part of the growing curve.
De’Aaron Fox also addressed falling short of expectation in the Finals while playing on a bad ankle, while also having to get past that mental hurdle and move on.
At the same time, folks should watch out, because another factor in the loss was Wemby’s lack of stamina in the Finals, which he has addressed, to the point where he has surprised even himself.
On the motivation side, Wemby said he couldn’t imagine a better motivation than losing. Redemption 2.0 incoming?
Welcoming Tobias Harris
As the main offseason addition, Harris said all the things we’re used to hearing from player who join the Spurs, whom after 15 years in the league, he has admired from afar.
He also had extremely high praise of Wemby thanks to their summer workouts together despite only knowing each other for a couple of months now.
Finally, he said he’s willing to except any role, with his only goal being to win. That will be a good thing, because there is a lot of talent on this team and more than five players capable of being starters anywhere else in the NBA.
The Slash Bros
Questions have and will continue to persist about the Spurs’ dynamic guard trio of Fox, Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle. Johnson addressed it head on, saying they plan on playing all three together more this season but couldn’t say how much.
All three guards also said all the right things when asked about it, saying they expect/hope to play more together, but there won’t be any tension over who’s starting or coming off the bench.
They’ll be fine.
Picking on Castle
Castle appeared to be the butt of jokes today. First, Devin Vassell and Carter Bryant crashed his press conference, with Vassell asking if Castle or Carter had more bounce. Castle scoffed and said himself, but honestly, considering they’re the two reigning Dunk Context runners-up, it’s hard to say. Maybe we need a dunk off?
Carter also harassed Castle about his “killer” little dog. (Don’t laugh! I had a miniature dachshund I had to hold or put in another room when strangers came to the house; she once grabbed a worker’s jeans and he freaked out!)
And of course, Keldon Johnson interrupted Castle with one of his classic yells. Who can’t love this team?
These are just the main points, but there was plenty more, including from Harrison Barnes and Julian Champagnie, so be sure to watch the whole thing when you have the chance.
Training camp starts tomorrow and preseason next week. Are you ready, Pounders?
