Spurs face roster-building dilemma as concerning trend emerges

The gulf between San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama and his teammates has been stark over their first 26 games. Those numbers may not be complete since the Spurs' second option, Devin Vassell, and third-best player, Jeremy Sochan, both missed significant time. 

Nevertheless, San Antonio has been especially reliant on their best player, with them carrying them on both sides of the ball. In fact, when advanced stats like VORP, BPM, and game score are combined and averaged, the Spurs' second-best player has been a 40-year-old averaging 9.4 points per game.

As the Spurs get healthy, the gap between Wembanyama and the team's second-best player will hopefully improve, and they will need it too if they hope to make the playoffs. Vassell returning to the lineup full-time will greatly help with his elite shotmaking, giving San Antonio another reliable scorer. 

The Spurs have done a good job of improving the roster around Wembanyama this season by adding Harrison Barnes and Paul. Barnes has been reliable as a knockdown shooter and as a crafty finisher in the paint. Meanwhile, Paul is a big upgrade over what the Spurs were running out at point guard last season. 

Add in rookie Stephon Castle, who has played well as a starter, and Julian Champagnie, who is emerging as a three-and-D wing, and the Spurs are more talented. Then again, being improved compared to last season's 22-win team isn't hard to do, and they will need to add more talent to become a true contender.

The San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama needs more help, but that could come in multiple ways. 

For the Spurs to reach the next level, there are really two main options. The first is that they rely on internal development, though that may take this season and even some of next season to see the benefits.

Wembanyama is rapidly developing and may soon go from being a borderline all-star to being a top-10 player. He isn't there yet, but he has played at an all-star level, likely making him a top-20 player. It's possible that he can get there by the end of this season or over the summer.

Vassell has been terrific off the bench, reminding fans that he has elite offensive potential while Sochan has taken a clear leap forward. Add in another season for Castle, and the Spurs could make a big leap next season. 

If that is their goal, then they are well on their way. If they are trying to make the playoffs this season, then they will need to make a big deal to bring in more shooting. Unfortunately, there don't appear to be any good options on the trade market, so the Spurs should rely on internal development to get them back in contention.