The dust of NBA free agency has finally started to settle and we're now in the dog days of the offseason. With a few months until the start of the 2024-2025 season, what better time to rile up NBA fans with bold predictions for the upcoming year?
This prediction isn't quite as bold as predicting the Chicago Bulls to make the playoffs at +1000, but I wanted to go with something that I also thought was realistic. And let's be honest, the Bulls don't look like a team that's going to make the postseason.
What I do think is a realistic outcome, is the Spurs to make the playoffs at +425 at BetMGM. Here's why...
Development of Victor Wembanyama
The highly touted rookie Victor Wembanyama made a significant impact on both ends of the floor in his first year in the league. He averaged 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds and 3.6 blocks per game en route to winning Rookie of the Year. His unique skill set, including his ability to shoot from range, handle the ball, and protect the rim, provides the Spurs with the star power and versatility needed to compete for a playoff spot.
Emergence of Young Talent
The Spurs made several additions this offseason to continue building around Wembanyama with young talent. San Antonio added Stephon Castle through the draft, taking him with their No. 4 overall pick. Not only did Castle win a National Championship at UConn last season, but he was named Big East Freshman of the Year. He averaged 11.1 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.9 assists in 27.0 minutes of play. Castle and Wembanyama should develop a lethal two-man game that's extremely difficult for opponents to defend.
Veteran Leadership
Castle isn't the only guard the Spurs added in the offseason. San Antonio signed veteran point guard Chris Paul to help lead what was the league's youngest team in 2023-2024. With 19 years of experience, Paul will be a leader on the floor and in the locker room for Wembanyama and this young group. Plus, with legendary coach Gregg Popovich at the helm, the Spurs have a strategic advantage against most other coaches they'll face.
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