SerpApi.Org
The disappointing Finals loss aside, one cannot discount the dominant play that Victor Wembanyama put up at both ends of the court during the 2025-26 season.
Not only was he named the first-ever unanimous Defensive Player of the Year in NBA history, but he also finished in third place for league MVP. At the same time, his individual brilliance also translated into wins for the San Antonio Spurs, who made their first Finals appearance in twelve years.
Facing the New York Knicks, Wembanyama and the Spurs were ousted in five games. Adding to their woes was San Antonio blowing multiple leads during the series, pointing to a lack of experience and decision-making on the roster, with Victor not looking his usual dominant self as well. Nonetheless, there was a lot to take home from this loss.
Given his competitive zeal and hunger to win, one can expect Wemby to come in more locked than ever for the 2026-27 season. This includes already leaving $50 million on the table to give San Antonio management some financial flexibility to help them assemble a championship-caliber roster.
Recently, Hall of Famer Tracy McGrady shared his thoughts on Wembanyama leaving $50 million on the table and that it was a step in the right direction.
"This shows that he wants to win. When you leave $50 million on the table, you want to improve your roster to get better talent because you want to win,"said McGrady, drawing parallels to how Jalen Brunson sacrificed for the Knicks, with it resulting in them winning the chip this year.
The Spurs management needs to act
There is not much doubt that Victor will, regardless, make his money down the line. That said, the front office in San Antonio also needs to do their bit by filling in the gaps on the roster.
Seconding his cousin T-Mac's assessment of the situation, Vince Carter felt the team could add another big man to the rotation of Luke Kornet, Kelly Olynyk and Bismack Biyombo, among others.
"We know Wemby likes to play on the perimeter sometimes. So you can have another big that can, you know, be a rebounder. I mean, dare I say rim protector as well… You need multiple bigs… especially with a team that is young and athletic like that where you can play so many different ways," stated Carter.
At the same time, one could not deny that the roster needed some veteran experience, something the Spurs seem to have acted on immediately with the recent signing of Tobias Harris. They have also managed to retain Julian Champagnie and Harrison Barnes.
Vinsanity had some suggestions
Acknowledging how Victor was gifted to play at the perimeter, Vince still wanted to see him average 10 rebounds. As far as making some new additions to the roster was concerned, the NBA veteran felt someone like Naz Reid, a hybrid big, could serve as the difference-maker on the roster.
"He has a high motor, he rebounds, he can shoot the three. He's going to defend," Carter said about the 2024 Sixth Man of the Year. He also floated the idea of adding someone like Paul Reed from the Detroit Pistons.
Nevertheless, only time will tell how the Spurs front office plans to address its roster issues. Regardless, one can surely expect to see a more fueled yet mature version of Wembanyama in the upcoming 2026-27 season.
