Spurs Struggle Despite Wembanyama’s Potential
Over the span of 82 games, the team featuring one of the most anticipated talents to join the NBA in the last two decades has recorded a disappointing pace of 28 wins across two seasons.
Wembanyama’s Absence Impact
The “Stifle Tower” was absent during the Spurs’ visit to Toronto on Sunday and will also miss their upcoming game on April 13 against the Raptors. Since being diagnosed with a blood clot in his shoulder during the All-Star break, Wembanyama has been sidelined for the remainder of the season. Fortunately, reports regarding his long-term health appear promising.
Mixed Results Without Wembanyama
Whether Wembanyama plays or not has not greatly influenced the Spurs’ performance; their record stands at 13-22 without him, reflecting a pace of 30 wins. However, this is somewhat misleading, as last season’s struggles were so severe that even a player of Michael Jordan’s caliber wouldn’t have dramatically changed the outcome. This season, the Spurs have tried to enhance their roster with experienced players like Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes, which has maintained their competitiveness in Wembanyama’s absence.
Wembanyama’s Impact on Game Performance
This season, the Spurs have shown nearly a 9.8 points improvement per 100 possessions when Wembanyama is on the court, compared to only 6.9 points per 100 last season, highlighting his significant influence on the game.
Raptors’ Draft Lottery Hopes
Meanwhile, the Raptors faced a 123-89 loss to the Spurs, further solidifying their position as one of the bottom teams, now standing at 24-47. They are hoping the approximately 50 losses this season may grant them a favorable outcome in the draft lottery, potentially allowing them to select a top prospect like Cooper Flagg. In a recent NCAA matchup, Flagg contributed 18 points, nine rebounds, and six assists, showcasing skills that could be advantageous for any NBA team.
Encouraging Developments for the Raptors
Despite their recent loss, the Raptors have shown promising signs in their performance over the past two months. They improved to a 16-16 record since mid-January, a significant turnaround from their initial 8-31 start. This upward trajectory suggests they are moving towards a more competitive status, which could be enhanced further with the integration of new talent from the draft.
Conclusion and Outlook
Although the Raptors experienced setbacks, particularly in their recent game against the Spurs, they have largely demonstrated growth and resilience this season. With optimism surrounding the return of injured players like Brandon Ingram and potential acquisitions from the draft, the Raptors may not be as far from contention as previously thought. However, as the Spurs have learned, even the best rookie prospects cannot single-handedly rectify a team’s struggles.
