SAN ANTONIO — With most of the San Antonio Spurs roster returning from the 2023-24 season and the additions of veterans Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes, could San Antonio be a team flying under the radar ahead of next season?
Guard Blake Wesley believes so.
In a chat with Hoops Hype, Wesley opines that the Silver and Blake will be "looking good" after some roster moves this offseason.
"I feel like we are gonna surprise a lot of people. We still have a lot of doubters and sleepers. So we want people to sleep on us because it’s only gonna motivate us, especially me," he said. "We just got Victor [Wembanyama], Harrison Barnes, and Chris Paul. We added some vets to the team, so we’re looking to be good this year."
The additions of Barnes and Paul are big for the team's development, but does it make the team a legitimate threat in the West, let alone the NBA?
There is something to say about bringing back most of the roster from last season and adding solid veterans will make the Spurs much more competitive. Also, rookie Stephon Castle is seemingly set to make a big splash in his first season.
But the West remains strong.
Dallas, Denver, Oklahoma City, and Minnesota lead the pack, with teams such as Sacramento, Houston, New Orleans, Phoenix, Clippers, and Memphis (with the return of Ja Morant) will be stiff competition for the Spurs.
Yes, Wembanyama is a force, and there is something to be said about team chemistry and how the Spurs finished last season on a solid note.
It remains to be seen if the Spurs can be a team that the opposition cannot take lightly, but with the solid roster moves, they will be ready to make some noise in the NBA after coming off a dismal 22-win season.
WESLEY EAGER TO LEARN FROM CP3
Wesley is eager to learn from his newest teammate, Paul, and says he is already getting coached by the multiple-time All-Star point guard.
"I’m excited, man. He’s a great dude. I just worked out. We just worked out with him not too long ago at Summer League. Yeah. So it’s good. He’s a great dude. He’s talking to me, coaching me, telling me to go handle the ball," he said. "So I’m enjoying it so far, and I can’t wait to learn and get the knowledge. Really take what he has. So I’m excited."
Wesley isn't the only Spurs player eager to learn and play with Paul.
Castle recently spoke about what he will be looking to learn from him.
"He's probably one of the best point guards to ever play in the league," he said. "I've been connecting with CP3 since they announced he's coming to the Spurs."