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Can Spurs Make Play-In Drafting Victor Wembanyama?
For the first time in 26 years, the San Antonio Spurs aren't playing any games after the middle of April. It's just the second time in this millennium that the Spurs aren't playing in the postseason, and San Antonio wants to make it back there.
While the Spurs are committed to a long rebuild, their plans certainly become easier if San Antonio lands the No. 1 pick to select Victor Wembanyama from France. However, ESPN believes it still may be a challenge for San Antonio to make noise next season by just taking Wembanyama.
"Wembanyama is exceptionally talented, but he probably can't do it all himself, and San Antonio might be better off staying somewhat neutral in year one," ESPN writes. "With organic player development and smart signings, the Spurs should certainly improve on 22 wins, but getting into the play-in mix in a crowded West will require them to vault into the 40-win range. It's certainly possible they come close if everything breaks right."
Wembanyama changes the trajectory of the Spurs, but he doesn't fix all of their problems, at least for next season. The Spurs are just starting their rebuild and are trying to figure out which players could be around for the long haul. Other than Devin Vassell and Keldon Johnson, no other player has proven for multiple seasons that he can be productive.
There are definitely some exciting prospects worth investing in, namely Jeremy Sochan and Malaki Branham, but that's part of the rebuild. As the years go on, the Spurs will accrue the assets necessary to get off the ground and roll towards the top of the Western Conference ... and Wembanyama accelerates the process.
You can follow Jeremy Brener on Twitter @JeremyBrener.
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