The San Antonio Spurs are quietly assembling one of the most intriguing and dangerous young cores in the NBA. With seven players aged 25 or younger, headlined by generational talent Victor Wembanyama and Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle, the Spurs have laid the foundation for what could become a long-term Western Conference powerhouse.
And with the addition of De’Aaron Fox (27), a proven All-Star entering his prime, San Antonio isn’t just building for the future. They’re setting themselves up to compete right now.
At the center of it all is Wembanyama, the 21-year-old unicorn who was on pace to sweep Defensive Player of the Year and All-NBA honors before a shoulder blood clot ended his second season.
Wemby had emerged as arguably the best two-way player in the league, averaging 24.3 points, 11.0 rebounds, 3.8 blocks, and 1.1 steals per game, all while anchoring the Spurs defensively. His rare combination of rim protection, perimeter range, and guard-like skill sets the tone for the franchise.
Now comes Dylan Harper. According to ESPN draft expert Jonathan Givony, Harper is the near-lock to be selected second overall by the Spurs, joining Castle and Fox in what could be a modern three-guard lineup.
At 19, Harper already possesses pro-ready scoring instincts and shot 48.4% from the field at Rutgers while averaging 19.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 4.0 assists. Givony even compared his pre-draft measurements to Dwyane Wade, praise that isn’t handed out lightly.
The idea of a Fox–Castle–Harper backcourt may raise concerns about shooting, but the upside is undeniable. Fox is a proven engine with speed, playmaking, and leadership. Castle brings length, athleticism, and slashing ability. Harper adds polish and natural scoring talent. Together, they offer the Spurs elite perimeter defense and pace.
Beyond the guard room, Jeremy Sochan (22), Julian Champagnie (23), Devin Vassell (24), and Keldon Johnson (25) offer versatile, switchable wings who can defend, rebound, and contribute offensively.
Sochan and Vassell, in particular, have flashed the ability to complement Wembanyama on both ends of the court. Johnson remains a rugged scorer with a winning mentality.
While some speculated the Spurs might trade the No. 2 pick to accelerate their timeline, the front office appears committed to its long-view strategy. Rather than mortgage the future for short-term gain, they’re building a balanced core of high-IQ, high-upside talent around their cornerstone in Wembanyama.
If Wemby returns healthy and continues developing into the MVP and GOAT-level player he projects to be, San Antonio could own the next decade of Western Conference basketball.
With a deep, young, and dynamic core, the Spurs’ rebuild looks nearly complete. Now, it’s about patience, chemistry, and letting the league-adjusting talent rise to the top. One thing’s for sure, the Spurs are coming. And they’re coming fast.
