Latest unexpected projections are a double-edged sword for Spurs

Expectations for the San Antonio Spurs are higher than recent seasons thanks to the addition of Chris Paul and the projected ascension of rising star Victor Wembanyama. Although they may not make the playoffs outright, they may be able to compete for the play-in tournament, which required a 46-36 record to make last season.

That would mean the Spurs would have to improve by 24 games from a season ago, which is doable given Paul's track record and Wembanyama's potential to breakout and take a leap into superstardom. Despite that, Bleacher Report projects them to win just 30 games and finish with 52 losses. That would be disappointing, to be sure, but it could also have a silver lining.

The latest projections are a double-edged sword for the San Antonio Spurs.

Finishing with a 30-52 record would be good enough for the eighth-worst record in Bleacher Report's projections. Not only that but they also own the Atlanta Hawks' unprotected 2025 first-round pick, with them expected to have the ninth-worst record in the NBA. That would potentially give the Spurs the eighth and ninth picks in the loaded 2025 NBA Draft.

If Bleacher Report's projections come to pass, the Spurs would have something good to show from a disappointing season. The 2025 NBA Draft is considered to be among the best in recent memory and even picking late in the top 10 could net the Spurs two great prospects. 

In fact, considering they already have eight players on rookie-scale contracts, they could combine those two picks to move up into the top five potentially. With Paul potentially in his final season, they may look to replace him long-term with a point guard, with players such as Dylan Harper being an option if he were to drop.

Getting two more top 10 picks is tempting but the Spurs probably won't be in that position.

Getting two more top-10 picks might be better for the Spurs long-term success, though getting playoff experience would also be beneficial to players such as Wembanyama, Devin Vassell, and Jeremy Sochan.

While getting two top prospects to add to their young core is tempting, Bleacher Report may be underrating the Spurs. Adding Paul, as well as Harrison Barnes and fourth overall pick Stephon Castle, makes them far deeper than before and more talented.

A starting five of Paul, Vassell (once healthy), Barnes, Sochan, and Wembanyama is a more than respectable starting five, and there is enough talent in the second unit for them to keep pace in the tough Western Conference. They may not make the playoffs, but they should be able to make the play-in tournament.