John Schuhmann released his first [power rankings list of the season](https://www.nba.com/news/power-rankings-2025-26-week-1) on NBA.com, and the Spurs landed at #15. That's not too high or too low considering the record they finished with last season. But they're much better than that, and it will be satisfying to watch them rise through their inevitable ascent when the games begin.
Game day is finally here, and San Antonio has a lot to prove. The fan base has high expectations; can this team end the second-longest drought in the league? Do they have the right coach? Can Victor Wembanyama lead a successful team? Can these guards play together? We've heard them all season. Today, the Silver and Black begin to answer them all.
They're forgetting that Spurs have an MVP candidate
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Schuhmann has the Spurs ninth in the Western Conference. Victor Wembanyama has already made it clear that a play-in tournament berth is not what this team is looking for. "Success would be getting to the playoffs and not play-in, so I guess that means sixth seed," is what he told reporters just a few days ago. After watching them play in the preseason, it's clear they may really have something.
Let's not forget how tumultuous the season was last year. Coach Johnson had several standout moments under difficult circumstances. Leading the team to an above .500 record through the first two months of the season, he led the Spurs to a top-five offense in March without Wemby and helped Stephon Castle earn his Rookie of the Year award.
This season, he had a full offseason to prepare, and Vic is going to be on a mission. You heard him at media day on the commitment to defense. Everyone is accountable, and it [doesn't matter who you are.](https://airalamo.com/wembanyama-set-stunning-bar-for-spurs-fearless-quote)
"It doesn't matter your status; defense is non-negotiable." - Wembanyama
He's gotten stronger, he's trained with legends, and he's been denied the game he loves for too long. Wembanyama is going to be as motivated as ever to get on the court and dominate. But for Vic, domination isn't just about putting up gaudy numbers. He wants to win. Fortunately, he has a great assortment of talent surrounding him to help with that.
I can't say exactly where the Spurs should be on Schuhmann's list. But if I were to take the time to make one, I know that the Silver and Black would be over more than half of the Western Conference. I think he's going to be that good, and the rest of the roster is better than people realize.