The San Antonio Spurs, on the back of Victor Wembanyama, were hoping to make the play-in tournament this season before a deep vein thrombosis injury shut down their superstar.
However, the Spurs added De'Aaron Fox, have the second overall pick, and plenty of trade fodder to make a massive move this offseason, and they improved internally down the stretch to end the season.
With two All-Stars on the roster, the Spurs are expected to make the playoffs in the upcoming season, regardless of the offseason moves they make, and they are already in the gym putting in some work.
"We're getting better," said Blake Wesley. "We're in here for two and a half hours every day, so we're getting better. Draft's coming up. Got number two pick, 14 pick, 36 pick, or something like that. So we're just riding it out."
Of course, not everyone is in town. Wemby was seen vacationing in Costa Rica and China, and Jeremy Sochan was in the Philippines for an international basketball event. However, players without prior commitments, like FIBA play, seem to be staying in San Antonio.
Wesley has long been included in trade speculation, although with Chris Paul on the way out, he could be a key depth piece in the backcourt.
After averaging only three points and 1.9 assists per game through the All-Star Break, he got more run of things in the final stretch of the season, increasing his averages to 4.6 points and 2.1 assists while being a defensive hound.
He will slot into the lineup behind Stephon Castle, Dylan Harper (assuming the Spurs keep the second pick), and De'Aaron Fox, but should get substantial play off the bench if he spends his fourth NBA season with the Spurs.
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