After years of rebuilding, the San Antonio Spurs finally appear ready to contend for a championship this season and for years to come. However, according to the Ringer's Zach Lowe, the Spurs may not be [guaranteed a long run with their current core](https://youtu.be/DSpJ0Y1eey8?si=e_gggw5U2PYto8ri&t=399).
Lowe, himself, is very high on Spurs star Victor Wembanyama and his fit with De'Aaron Fox. He is even a big fan of Stephon Castle, though several executives aren't sold that Wembanyama will be able to have the same longevity that other superstars have.
Lowe stated that he's spoken with executives around the NBA who believe the Spurs should accelerate rebuilding around Wembanyama and assume his career will only be 8-12 years.
That would be a shockingly short career for someone as talented as he is. To his credit, history may be on his side, with Mark Eaton being the only player listed at 7'4" to have played at least 10 seasons.
If Wembanyama were to play longer, then he would be the first player of his size ever to have done so.
The Spurs must go all in to win now with Victor Wembanyama
----------------------------------------------------------
All things considered, the Spurs getting off to as strong of a start as they have this season—given how awful they have been for the last three seasons—shows just how far this team has come. In fact, even with a mountain of early injuries, they have played surprisingly well.
They boast a top-5 offense and a top-10 defense, both great signs that this team will win 50+ games this season. Still, health and seeding will determine how far this team goes this season and in the playoffs.
It's possible that this year could be more of a learning experience. That would give the Spurs' young roster a taste of success before coming back stronger next season.
The Spurs may not be a true title contender just yet
----------------------------------------------------
Historically, that is usually how things go with up-and-coming teams needing a few playoff heartbreaks before they finally break through. With Wembanyama in his third season and leading a roster that has quite a few young players mixed in with veterans, there's no telling how this team will look in the playoffs.
Assuming that it may take them this season and perhaps next before they become true title contenders, Wembanyama will only be 23 years old by then. However, he will perhaps be nearing the halfway point of his career by then, according to Lowe.
Hopefully, that isn't the case because the Spurs could easily build around him for the next decade-plus. But, if Lowe is right, they may have far less time to build a dynasty around Wembanyama, increasing the need for them to go all-in this season to win now.