Five Takeaways as the Spurs Begin Training Camp
Training camp is here for Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs (Photo via X)
With the 2024-25 NBA campaign quickly approaching, the San Antonio Spurs have officially kicked off training camp. Their first preseason game is less than a week away, as the Spurs host the Oklahoma City Thunder next Monday to begin exhibition play.
Here are the five leading takeaways as the Spurs rev up their engines.
5) Devin Vassell is upbeat about his injury
Shortly before the start of training camp, the Spurs announced that Devin Vassell will miss the entire month of October as he recovers from offseason foot surgery. That means San Antonio’s go-to perimeter scorer will miss all of the preseason games and at least the first week of the regular season.
At first blush, that sounds like discouraging news for Vassell and the Spurs. However, rumblings around the team indicated that Vassell was having lingering foot pain during offseason workouts. Since undergoing surgery in June, he has reported that the pain has subsided and that he has been moving well during his individual workouts.
While beginning the season without Vassell is less than ideal, everyone involved is pleased that he appears to be in line for a pain-free return. A couple months ago, that was in doubt.
4) Chris Paul really, really wants to start
When talking at media day, Chris Paul made it clear that he signed with the Spurs because he saw it as a way to get playing time. Or, as he states it, playing for San Antonio allows him the opportunity to hoop.
Gregg Popovich and the Spurs will obviously value the leadership Paul brings to the table and his know-how in tense situations. To keep him happy, the 39-year-old point guard will require minutes — probably somewhere in the vicinity of 30 minutes per game.
3) Keldon Johnson is fine with a bench role
Since Keldon Johnson is only 24 years old and saw his points per game dip from 22.0 points to 15.7 points last season, it was unknown whether he would be happy with remaining in a bench role. Listening to him speak at media day, Johnson didn’t indicate at all that he’d be dismayed if he finds himself outside of the starting lineup once again.
Team insiders rave about Johnson’s team-first approach but there were still some question marks regarding his willingness to come off the bench once again. Heck, it even took Manu Ginobili a few seasons to be totally pleased with the idea of being the team’s sixth man.
2) Pop didn’t set any expectations
Heading into his media day session, I was curious whether Pop would talk about the playoffs being a goal for this team. I also wondered if he’d provide any hints on who would start this season.
As it turned out, Pop gave non-answers when asked about expectations. He basically said that he wants the team to improve and individuals to grow. With what appears to be a loaded 2025 NBA Draft, could Pop be looking at the bigger picture? Probably not — but you never know.
The way I see it, it’s a win-win for the Spurs either way. If they miss the playoffs, getting a lottery pick will quickly dry any tears. If the Spurs make the playoffs, that’s a sign that Victor Wembanyama is ahead of schedule and that some of his supporting cast could be around for the long haul.
1) Victor Wembanyama’s weight
Two hundred and thirty five pounds. That’s my primary takeaway as the Spurs begin training camp. Last season, Wembanyama was listed as 210 pounds. I think a long-term goal weight for the French phenom should be somewhere around 250 pounds. To get more than halfway there after one season is encouraging.
We’ve seen enough to confidently say Wembanyama has everything he needs to be an all-time great as long as he stays healthy. Adding strength to what we witnessed last year is an exciting formula.