While the Spurs expect to take a big step up this season, it doesn't always turn out that way. The NBA, and the Western Conference in particular, is a harrowing gauntlet of powerful squads. It most definitely won't be easy.
While I hate to be negative, sometimes you have to face reality. There are numerous factors in the Spurs' season that, if they lean towards the opposite side, could completely flip their positive expectations upside down. Not every team reaches its goals, and in this world, the Spurs struggle on all fronts. If the Spurs did, in fact, miss the playoffs, these would be the biggest reasons.
De'Aaron Fox's injury holds him and the team back
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De'Aaron Fox is entering the 2025-26 season on a bad leg. It is a terrible outcome for a man who was on the precipice of dominating in [a pivotal season for his career](https://airalamo.com/deaaron-fox-immediately-faces-make-break-season-massive-deal). Hamstring injuries tend to linger for some time, and in the worst-case scenario, this injury would thwart his success all year long.
The fact of the matter is, the San Antonio Spurs need De'Aaron Fox. Yes, the team is uniquely equipped with bench pieces to fill his void, but if they truly want to compete for a title, they need De'Aaron. The hasty guard's offensive skillset means so much to this team. Not only would the Spurs miss the ice in his veins, but Wembanyama, in particular, would be without his shot creator.
The Spurs youth plays a factor in their demise
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There is no denying that this Spurs team is young, and with [youth comes a boatload of mistakes](https://airalamo.com/spurs-biggest-strength-source-most-frustration). From top to bottom, the new Spurs era is filled with inexperienced players. Even the players at the top lack the veteran skill set.
Relying on young players to win could be the X-factor in determining whether or not this team reaches its highest potential. Whether it be a crucial mistake in crunch time, a lack of synergy, or contrasting player game plans, there will, without a doubt, be bumps in the road.
In particular, the Spurs will need rookie Dylan Harper to lead the bench unit as point guard. If he is not quite ready to take on the role, the Spurs bench could end up not being the group we would have hoped.
Victor Wembanyama dreams prove to be just that
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It's easy to get excited about the 7'4" superstar the Spurs are waiting to unleash. A chunk of the optimism that comes with the Spurs is rooted in the success and health of Victor Wembanyama. But as much as it hurts to say, he may not be ready.
You have to remember that Vic is only 21. He just recently earned the privilege to drink alcohol. He will have a lot on his plate next season, and it may be too much to handle. How can we know for sure that the youngster is ready to blossom into the next NBA great? Before we can make any overwhelming claims about his future, we need to see it on the court.
If Wemby is a year or two away from becoming the face of the league, the Spurs won't be able to live up to their expectations. Even if the rest of the team is firing on all cylinders, they will live or die by the hands of Victor.