The San Antonio Spurs, with Victor Wembanyama and De'Aaron Fox both out for the season, are experimenting with different lineups and seeing what works as they prepare for a more successful effort next season.
Sandro Mamukelashvili and Blake Wesley have been the biggest breakout candidates recently, and both of them will have contract talks this offseason. Mamukelashvili will be an unrestricted free agent, and Wesley will be entering the final season of his rookie contract and is due for an extension.
Before the season started, fans may have expected the Spurs to not extend Wesley, but his recent play has made it clear that he can be a part of their long-term plans with one major caveat.
Over the last seven games, the Spurs are 4-3 and Wesley is averaging 20 minutes a game. He is posting 6.6 points, 2.7 assists, and 1.7 steals and has improved his 3-point shooting to 40 percent, although that number might not be sustainable.
With Chris Paul set to enter free agency and unlikely to re-sign with the Spurs, San Antonio will certainly start Fox and Stephon Castle and could very likely draft a premier guard prospect, but Wesley could be the fourth man in the backcourt. This season, he's made the most of when his number has been called, and the Spurs could sign him to an easily tradeable extension this summer, keeping him in San Antonio.
Wesley, like Castle, is a solid defender and facilitator, although his outside shooting needs some work. He's not as composed with the ball as Castle is, which is a big reason why his playing time had been so sparce up until injuries piled up.
While he won't be a central part of the rotation next season, he's a tried-and-true depth piece who isn't as risky as a rookie and will be cheaper than a veteran.
Related: Spurs Have Their Eyes on 'Incredible Passer' as Possible Offseason Addition
If the Spurs manage to sign Tre Jones back from the Chicago Bulls this offseason, then he is a better backup guard than Wesley and the whole argument is moot, although Jones is likely enjoying his bigger role with the Bulls and Chicago could very likely offer him more money than the Spurs would.
Wesley is certainly not a bad backup choice to lead the third unit.
Related: Sandro Mamukelashvili Brings Hidden Advantage to San Antonio Spurs
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This story was originally published March 26, 2025 at 11:47 AM.
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