Spurs Are Winning Without Wemby-And That’s a Big Deal
Let’s be honest-no one expected the San Antonio Spurs to look this good without Victor Wembanyama. Not yet, anyway.
But here we are: 5-1 this season when Wemby doesn’t suit up. That’s not just a fluke.
That’s a shift.
To put it in perspective, the Spurs went 16-31 without Wemby over his first two seasons. So what’s changed? Why is this team suddenly thriving without its generational centerpiece?
The Center Rotation Finally Has Depth
For starters, the Spurs quietly shored up a position that’s been a weak spot behind Wembanyama: the center rotation. After trading away Zach Collins in the De’Aaron Fox deal, the team leaned heavily on Bismack Biyombo as the lone true center.
This year? They’ve added Luke Kornet and Kelly Olynyk, giving the frontcourt a much-needed boost in size, spacing, and experience.
That depth has allowed San Antonio to stay competitive in the paint and keep the offense flowing, even without Wemby’s rim protection and gravity. Kornet and Olynyk aren’t flashy, but they’re reliable, and their presence has helped stabilize the rotation.
De’Aaron Fox Looks Like Himself Again
Another major factor? De’Aaron Fox is finally healthy-and playing like the All-Star guard the Spurs hoped they were getting.
Last season, he was battling through a finger injury that clearly limited his shooting and ball-handling. Then he missed time early this year with a hamstring issue.
But now that he’s back to full speed, Fox is controlling games with his pace, shot creation, and leadership.
He’s the engine behind San Antonio’s offense, and with the center spot holding its own, Fox has had the space and support to thrive. The result? A Spurs team that’s more balanced and more dangerous than it’s been in years.
Role Players Are Stepping Up
It’s not just Fox and the bigs, either. The Spurs have gotten timely contributions from across the roster.
Julian Champagnie, Harrison Barnes, Devin Vassell, and Keldon Johnson have all had moments where they’ve looked like the best player on the floor. That kind of versatility is tough to game-plan against.
On any given night, someone new steps up. That’s the sign of a team that’s growing in confidence-and learning how to win.
Defense Dips, But the Offense Stays Sharp
Now, let’s not pretend everything’s perfect without Wembanyama. The defense has taken a clear step back in his absence.
The Spurs’ defensive rating has dropped by ten points when he’s off the floor. That’s significant.
Wemby’s rim protection, switchability, and instincts are irreplaceable.
But here’s the twist: the offense has actually improved without him. That’s not a knock on Wembanyama-it’s more a reflection of how the ball moves differently when the offense isn’t built around a 7'4" unicorn. The team has adjusted, and Fox’s presence has helped keep things humming.
This Team Isn’t Better Without Wemby-But They’re Better Prepared
Let’s be clear: the Spurs are not better without Wembanyama. That’s not the takeaway here.
What is clear, though, is that they’re no longer helpless without him. And that’s a big-time development.
In past seasons, when Wemby sat, the Spurs often looked lost. Now, they’re competing-and winning-against quality opponents.
They’ve already notched wins over the Denver Nuggets and Houston Rockets this season. They’re still chasing the Thunder in the standings, but they’ve shown they can hang with the West’s elite.
Wemby’s Return Could Be the Spark
The best part? Wembanyama is set to return soon.
And for the first time, he and Fox will be on the floor together, both fully healthy. That’s a pairing we haven’t really seen unleashed yet.
One’s an All-NBA caliber point guard. The other is the league’s most disruptive defender.
Put them together with a deeper supporting cast, and the Spurs suddenly look like a team no one wants to face.
With the NBA Cup knockout stage around the corner and the schedule about to stiffen, Wemby’s return couldn’t come at a better time. The Spurs are already playing like a postseason-caliber squad without him. Add him back into the mix, and this team might just be ready to make some real noise.
The message is clear: San Antonio isn’t just building for the future anymore. They’re starting to win in the present.