Spurs build around Wembanyama as they chase 2025 playoffs

The San Antonio Spurs enter the 2025 season with their roster deliberately centered on Victor Wembanyama, who has been medically cleared after a monthslong absence for blood clots and showed promising signs of physical readiness in a recent training-camp scrimmage. The club has paired the French 7-foot-4 star with veteran guard DeAaron Fox and added youth and frontcourt depth in the draft and free agency as it chases a return to postseason play.

Wembanyama missed significant time last season but returned to on-court work this summer and took part in an exhibition scrimmage in which he produced a powerful dunk through the lane that drew attention to his regained strength. He also spent portions of the offseason working with Hakeem Olajuwon and Kevin Garnett to refine footwork and competing mentality. Of his time with Olajuwon, Wembanyama said, "His advice, even though it was a lot, felt like I was absorbing it every day," and added he plans to show elements of that work in games this year.

San Antonio reshaped its roster during the offseason and draft to support Wembanyama. The Spurs acquired DeAaron Fox in February to be a primary ballhandler and playmaker alongside Wembanyama...