The San Antonio Spurs are showing up in force for NBA All-Star Weekend - and not just as spectators. With six representatives headed to the festivities, the franchise will be front and center across multiple events, from the Rising Stars tournament to the Dunk Contest to the All-Star Game itself. And for first-year head coach Mitch Johnson, it’s shaping up to be a working vacation… with emphasis on the vacation.
Wemby Headlines a Stacked Spurs All-Star Slate
Let’s start with the obvious headliner: Victor Wembanyama. The 7-foot-4 phenom has been named a starter in the All-Star Game - a nod not just to his jaw-dropping talent, but to the impact he’s made in just his second season. Wembanyama has been a walking highlight reel, and now he’ll get to showcase his game on the league’s biggest midseason stage.
But he won’t be the only Spur making waves. Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper, two of the most promising young names in the league, are suiting up for Team Carmelo in the Rising Stars tournament.
They’ll be joined by fellow high-profile prospects Kon Knueppel and Cooper Flagg. That’s a whole lot of future NBA firepower on one roster - and the Spurs have two of them.
Carter Bryant, another young Spur with bounce for days, is taking his talents to the Dunk Contest. If you’ve seen him in warmups or caught a glimpse of his in-game explosiveness, you know he’s got the kind of vertical pop that plays well under the bright lights. Don’t be surprised if he ends up stealing the show.
And then there’s Mitch Johnson, who will be coaching one of the All-Star squads. Sort of.
Johnson Gets the Keys to a Veteran Superteam
This year’s All-Star Game is shaking things up with a brand-new format. Gone is the traditional East vs.
West. In its place: a three-team round-robin featuring “Team USA Stars,” “Team USA Stripes,” and “Team World.”
Johnson will be at the helm of Team USA Stars - and let’s just say he’s not exactly coaching a G League roster.
His squad features a who’s who of NBA royalty: Jaylen Brown, Jalen Brunson, Donovan Mitchell, Norman Powell, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard, and LeBron James. That’s a lineup with more All-Star appearances than some franchises have playoff wins over the last decade.
Johnson, who’s been with the Spurs as an assistant since 2019, is well aware of the dynamic at play here. Every player on his roster has more NBA experience than he does. And he’s not pretending otherwise.
“It’ll be easy,” Johnson said with a grin. “I don’t think they’ll need much direction or be looking for it. So plan on having a really good seat and enjoying myself and letting them tell me what they’re going to do.”
Translation: Johnson knows the deal. In an exhibition game loaded with veterans, the best coaching move might be to stay out of the way and enjoy the ride.
A Friendly Face-Off with Wemby on the Horizon
Of course, Johnson won’t be able to kick back entirely. Team USA Stars will face off at least once against Team World, which is being coached by Toronto Raptors head coach Darko Rajaković - and led by none other than Wembanyama.
Wemby, never one to shy away from the spotlight, is expected to bring his usual blend of competitive fire and flair. And if he throws down a poster dunk or hits a deep three, don’t be shocked if he turns to the opposing bench and lets Johnson hear about it. All in good fun, of course - but make no mistake, Wemby knows how to put on a show.
Spurs’ Youth Movement on Display
What this All-Star Weekend really signals is the emergence of a new era in San Antonio. Between Wembanyama’s rapid rise, the influx of young talent like Castle, Harper, and Bryant, and a fresh-faced head coach getting his first taste of All-Star duties, the Spurs are clearly building something intriguing.
They’re not just rebuilding - they’re reloading, with a foundation that’s already earning league-wide recognition. And this weekend, the rest of the basketball world will get a closer look at what’s brewing in the Alamo City.
So yes, Mitch Johnson may be treating this as a bit of a Southern California getaway. But make no mistake: the Spurs are showing up to All-Star Weekend with serious representation - and even more serious promise.