The 2024-25 San Antonio Spurs season was a year of significant progress tempered by major setbacks, finishing with a 34-48 record, a 12-win improvement from the prior two seasons’ 22-60 marks, but missing the playoffs for the sixth consecutive year. The season was defined by injuries, coaching transitions, and a young roster finding its footing around Victor Wembanyama, with key acquisitions and breakout performances offering hope for the future. Below is a breakdown of the bad and good things that happened to the silver and black Spurs.
The Good
Victor Wembanyama’s Superstar Ascent:
Despite playing only 46 games, Wembanyama was a titan, averaging 24.3 points, 11.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.1 steals, 3.1 threes, and a league-leading 3.8 blocks per game. He set career highs in points, rebounds, triples, and blocks, with improved shooting efficiency. His first career triple-double (16 points, 12 rebounds, 10 assists) came in a 130-108 win over Detroit on January 8, 2025.
Stephon Castle’s Rookie of the Year Campaign:
Drafted 4th overall, Castle emerged as a star, winning the 2024-25 NBA Rookie of the Year award, making the Spurs the second team in 50 years with back-to-back winners (Wembanyama, Castle). His two-way play and growth filled gaps left by injuries, marking him as an important cornerstone for San Antonio’s Dynasty.
De’Aaron Fox Acquisition:
The Spurs pulled off a “heist” by trading for De’Aaron Fox without sacrificing rotation players or significant draft picks. Despite his late-season injury, Fox’s speed and playmaking complemented Wembanyama, offering a glimpse of a dynamic future backcourt.
Improved Win Total and Early Success:
The Spurs’ 34 wins tied their best mark in six seasons, a leap from 22 wins in 2022-23 and 2023-24. They started 9-8, including a three-game win streak with victories over OKC and Golden State, despite never having a fully healthy starting five. This early promise showed their potential when they finally established their core and role players.
Veteran Contributions:
Chris Paul: At 40, Paul played all 82 games, a career first since 2014-15, averaging 8.8 points, 7.4 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.7 threes with just 1.6 turnovers. His 92.4% free-throw shooting and leadership stabilized the young roster.
Harrison Barnes: Acquired from Sacramento, Barnes provided professionalism and 37.7% three-point shooting, mentoring young wings like Sochan and Castle.
Keldon Johnson: Transitioning to a sixth-man role, Johnson became a candidate for Sixth Man of the Year, bringing energy and scoring.
Draft Capital and Future Flexibility:
The Spurs hold a 6.6% chance at the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft via their own selection and an unprotected pick from Atlanta (via the Dejounte Murray trade). They also have swap rights with Dallas’ 2030 first-rounder, multiple first-rounders through 2031, and ample cap space to address frontcourt needs or pursue a star.
Young Player Development:
Devin Vassell: Before injuries, Vassell was a 20-point scorer, showing leadership as a secondary option.
Jeremy Sochan: Despite inconsistencies, Sochan improved as a two-way wing, with his defense sorely missed during absences.
The Bad
Injuries to Key Players:
Victor Wembanyama: The cornerstone of the franchise played only 46 games, missing the entire second half of the season due to injury. His absence was devastating, as the Spurs went 21-25 with him and just 13-23 without him, underscoring his importance.
De’Aaron Fox: Acquired in a blockbuster trade, Fox missed the end of the season due to finger surgery, limiting his impact. His absence, combined with Wembanyama’s, derailed playoff hopes.
Other Injuries: Jeremy Sochan’s absence was notable, with the team allowing 121+ points in four straight losses without his defensive intensity, highlighting depth issues.
Gregg Popovich’s Health Scare and Absence:
On November 2, 2024, head coach Gregg Popovich suffered a minor stroke, forcing an indefinite leave of absence. Assistant Mitch Johnson took over as interim coach, creating uncertainty. Popovich’s potential retirement loomed as a concern, with no clear timeline for his return.
Failure to Reach Playoff Contention:
Despite preseason optimism and a projected 35.5 win total, the Spurs finished 34-48, missing the Play-In Tournament. They were eliminated from playoff contention late in the season, with injuries and inconsistent play preventing a postseason push in a competitive Western Conference.
Persistent Defensive Issues:
The Spurs struggled to protect double-digit leads, a recurring weakness from the prior season. Their perimeter defense remained a liability, allowing high three-point shooting percentages, a trend that continued from 2023-24 when they had the league’s worst three-point defense.
Underperformance of Some Players:
Jeremy Sochan: While he improved, Sochan’s transition to a playmaking role was inconsistent, and his win shares remained low.
Keldon Johnson: Though effective as a sixth man, Johnson didn’t start, and his role shift raised questions about his long-term fit.
