2026 NBA Power Rankings: San Antonio Spurs
After a devastating Finals performance for Victor Wembanyama and the young Spurs, they now enter this season with renewed motivation. After blowing a double-digit lead in every Finals game, the Spurs were left with a bitter taste in their mouths, especially after the epic Game 4 collapse, where they blew a 29-point lead that was sealed by Anunoby’s heroics.
Now, the entire NBA should be frightened by the Spurs, who enter a new season with playoff experience after making the Finals in their first postseason run as a collective unit. Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle showed much promise, and they are the backcourt of the future.
That’s not even including De’Aaron Fox, who still provides that stability as a veteran leader. The combination of size, perimeter defense, IQ, and athleticism makes it terrifying to think what Harper and Castle could be in the next few seasons.
Now that they have playoff experience, improving their perimeter shooting to open up the lane more for Wembanyama will make them even more dangerous. In addition, they brought in Tobias Harris, a veteran who was vital to the Detroit Pistons in the postseason.
Additionally, Wembanyama will be more driven and prepared to be the "villain and unleash his wrath on the league, while also re-signing Julian Champagnie to a three-year, $45 million deal, who provides a legit 3-and-D option along with Devin Vassell.
Watch out for the Spurs.
2026 NBA Power Rankings: Oklahoma City Thunder
After losing Game 7 at home to the Spurs last season, the Thunder look to redeem themselves. Jalen Williams should be healthy after working out with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s trainer during the offseason after nagging hamstring and wrist injuries sidelined him last season.
SGA will continue to be the MVP he is. The question is, can Chet Holmgren step up? Holmgren disappointed in the Western Conference Finals against his nemesis. Wembanyama, scoring a measly four points on just two shot attempts in a win-or-go-home battle.
They’ll desperately need him to elevate his offensive production and consistency, as they’ve lost wing depth trading away Aaron Wiggins and Lu Dort, who were vital to their 2025 championship run. However, they still have plenty of depth.
Still, with Alex Caruso, Cason Wallace, Isaiah Hartenstein, and Ajay Williams to provide lockdown defense, scoring, and rim protection, the Thunder should be competing with the Spurs to see who will represent the Western Conference come spring.
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