Team’s Biggest Offseason Loss: Not A Player?
This could be a stretch. Looking back on the offseason changes, finding a loss on the Spurs has been difficult. The best phrase to summarize it is “if it’s not broken, then don’t fix it.” The team did not suffer a loss that could impact their game plan going forward. The only notable loss is the departure of Sean Sweeney, the lead assistant coach. Sweeney was hired as the head coach for the Orlando Magic on the brink of the NBA Finals.
This move was inevitable, as Sweeney’s talent was too incredible to remain an assistant coach. Former Bulls head coach Billy Donovan was hired as the new lead assistant coach.
Team’s Biggest Offseason Addition: Tobias Harris
The Spurs didn’t make a lot of noise this offseason; however, many believe Tobias Harris could be a surprisingly beneficial factor for the organization. Needing another power forward, the Spurs signed Harris to a two-year/$31 million deal in July. This signing works for a couple of reasons: he gives the Spurs another solid veteran presence, and he is entering his 16thseason, with nine of those including playoff experience. Lastly, he’s versatile with his shooting, rebounding, defense, shot creation, and ability to play multiple frontcourt roles—a much-needed signing.
Spurs’ Best-Case Scenario Outcome
The best-case scenario for the Spurs? Becoming the 2026-27 Western Conference Champions, punching their ticket to the NBA Finals, and winning the Championship. That’s the Spurs’ ceiling. Based on offseason moves, media-day conversations, and early training-camp observations, the Spurs are predicted to finish top two in the Western Conference with a 63-19 record. They can do this by building an elite defense, accelerating Harper and Castle’s development, staying healthy, building chemistry, and continuing to develop Wemby into an MVP-style leader.
Spurs’ Worst-Case Scenario Outcome
If injuries hit and become a hindrance, the chemistry loses its spark, this young core fails to develop, or the backcourt struggles to find its identity, this season will take a turn for the worse.
Injuries happen; it’s nearly impossible to avoid. This is considered a nightmare scenario. If any key players miss significant time, the Spurs risk losing consistency, chemistry, and confidence. That’s what teams need to win an NBA Championship.
If the Spurs struggle with consistency, shooting, and decision-making, their near-perfect young core will lose the foundation it built last year. Wemby, Harper, Castle and Bryant have the potential to be legends. So maintaining this core’s development matters.
An interesting note from the Spurs rotation is that they have three star point guards. Fox, Harper, and Castle will compete for the most minutes this season. While it’s a good problem to have, the coaching staff must develop a game plan that maximizes all three players.
Biggest Questions Ahead of the 2026-27 Season
The Spurs’ biggest question ahead of the season is whether they’ll bring the same fire, drive, determination, and confidence that helped them reach the NBA Finals last season. The realization is that the Spurs couldn’t keep the momentum up to win the title. While it stings, it’s time to move on and put the focus on the 2026-27 season. Other teams are even hungrier for the same goal. Rosters have changed, and teams have made adjustments. The Western Conference Champions will need to be ready on night one.
The season kicks off on October 20 against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
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