The San Antonio Spurs’ first season under Victor Wembanyama did not go as expected. There weren’t many wins in the win column, but there were definitely some developmental wins. Fortunately, the team’s roster has already seen some improvements, and there is still room for development in 2024–2025.
Yes, the top and middle spots in the Western Conference remain packed much like they always have. On the other hand, some of the worst clubs have glaring vulnerabilities, and we can safely predict that some of them will regress the next year.
When you consider that, it becomes easier to see how the Spurs can climb the rankings and possibly even make it into the play-in round the following year. These five clubs jump out as clear favorites to fall short of San Antonio in the standings the following year.
The Golden State Warriors
What a downfall it has been. The Golden State Warriors appear to be a complete shadow of their former self following a disappointing season for the second time in a row. They just lacked the necessary components to contend in the competitive Western Conference the previous year, and now they are outmatched by Dallas’ purchase of Klay Thompson. Golden State was already in the play-in round the previous year, so don’t be shocked if they are not included in the postseason picture at all the following spring.
Houston Rockets
The Rockets are likely favored by some for the upcoming campaign. With a strong core of youthful talent, they have the potential to advance based on internal growth. It is difficult to imagine them ultimately defeating more seasoned and successful teams, though, and it is more likely that the Rockets will conclude the season worse than they did the previous one. It should be very easy for the Spurs to go over their fierce cross-state rivals.
The New Orleans Pelicans
It’s undeniable that the New Orleans Pelicans possess elite talent. Spurs supporters are aware of the caliber of player Dejounte Murray is, and when healthy, Zion Williamson is a devastating offensive threat. However, if you examine New Orleans’ lineup more closely, you begin to see that not many of their components truly work well together. Watch out for San Antonio to leapfrog them too.
Los Angeles Clippers
In actuality, during the past ten or more seasons, the Clippers have been among the Western Conference’s most reliable teams. They will need to figure out how to win with a lot of new players on the roster, though, as Paul George has departed town. Despite having a stronger roster than before, they nevertheless run the risk of performing worse than anticipated.
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