Nearly halfway through the 2024-25 season, the San Antonio Spurs appear to be headed for the NBA draft lottery again, even despite showing significant improvement this season. That may not be just a bad thing for the long-term development with them potentially having three lottery picks in a loaded 2025 NBA draft.
Nevertheless, they may be more interested in the 2026 NBA draft, especially with one of the top prospects in that draft class being clear about his desire to play for the Spurs. AJ Dybantsa is widely expected to be the top pick in the 2026 NBA draft and is seen as an elite prospect on both ends of the floor.
At 6'9, his versatility and potential would likely make him the perfect fit for the modern NBA, and could thrive playing with another former number-one overall pick, Victor Wembanyama. Dybantsa has repeatedly sung the praises of the Spurs and clearly wants to play with Wembanyama in San Antonio. Whether he will get that wish is hard to say.
The Spurs have definitely been better than they have been the last couple of seasons, but they still have a ways to go before they enter championship contention. However, they have a rising superstar and several prospects who could take a big leap next season, plus potentially cap space needed to go out and make an impactful signing.
All of that makes them a potential playoff team next year and would take them out of the running for the number one pick, at least at first glance.
How the San Antonio Spurs could potentially land AJ Dybantsa.
While the Spurs could be much better next season, they still have a potentially terrific asset in the form of a pick swap with the Atlanta Hawks. The Spurs hold swap rights with the Hawks as a result of the Dejounte Murray trade. That means if the Hawks underperform next season, then San Antonio could swap picks and end up with a potentially high lottery pick next year.
The Hawks have been more competitive than expected this season and could theoretically be better next season with several young players taking big leaps forward. Then again, Trae Young will be in a contract season.
If he doesn't agree to a contract extension before then, Atlanta may be forced to move him rather than risk him hitting free agency. That would be San Antonio's best bet to land Dybantsa with the Hawks finishing with one of the three worst records next season.
The Spurs should hope so, but the larger point of a high-profile player wanting to play with Wembanyama is equally as important. Even if the Spurs don't ultimately end up with Dybantsa, they could eventually add a star to pair with Wembanyama.