The San Antonio Spurs aren’t just back-they’re making noise. After finishing 13th in the West last season, they’ve rocketed up the standings to become the second-best team in the conference, trailing only the Oklahoma City Thunder.
That’s not a fluke. This is a team that’s found its identity, leaned into its strengths, and is suddenly looking like a real problem for the rest of the league.
At the heart of it all, of course, is Victor Wembanyama. With the towering phenom finally healthy and fully unleashed, the Spurs have a legitimate MVP candidate anchoring both ends of the floor.
But while Wemby rightfully gets the headlines, San Antonio’s success runs deeper. The supporting cast-especially in the backcourt-has been quietly elite, and some inside the locker room are starting to question why that hasn’t translated to more All-Star recognition.
Keldon Johnson: “Where’s the love for our guards?”
Ahead of the Spurs’ matchup with the Lakers on Tuesday, Keldon Johnson didn’t hold back when asked about the All-Star selections-or rather, the lack of them.
“I do think it's really interesting that De'Aaron Fox and Steph Castle have not been named All-Stars,” Johnson said. “I'll answer that question even if it wasn't asked. Several teams have multiple All-Stars, and we play good against the top teams.”
He’s not wrong. San Antonio is one of the few teams that’s managed to take down the Thunder multiple times this season.
That’s not happening by accident. It’s happening because this team plays with pace, poise, and a level of backcourt control that rivals any in the league.
De’Aaron Fox, acquired in a bold offseason move, has brought veteran leadership and relentless speed to the point guard spot. He’s been the engine behind the Spurs’ transition game and a steadying force in crunch time. Meanwhile, rookie Stephon Castle has been a revelation-defending at a high level, making smart decisions, and showing maturity beyond his years.
And that’s before you even mention Dylan Harper. The rookie guard has been electric off the bench, showing flashes of star potential in limited minutes. He’s the kind of player who doesn’t just fill a role-he changes the tempo of a game when he checks in.
So Johnson’s frustration? It’s not just emotion-it’s grounded in performance.
Around the league, teams with similar records or less consistency have multiple All-Stars. San Antonio, despite a top-tier record and wins against elite competition, has just one: Wembanyama.
A deeper team than people realize
The Spurs have built something special this season. Wembanyama is the centerpiece, no doubt, but the team’s success is a product of balance.
They defend, they share the ball, and they compete like a group that knows exactly who they are. That’s not always reflected in All-Star voting, which often leans on name recognition and highlight reels.
But inside the locker room, they know what they’ve got. Fox, Castle, and Harper may not have All-Star nods next to their names, but they’re playing winning basketball-and in San Antonio, that’s what matters.
As long as this group keeps clicking the way it has, the accolades will come. For now, the Spurs are focused on the bigger picture.
They’re not chasing headlines-they’re chasing wins. And based on what we’ve seen so far this season, they’re not slowing down anytime soon.