San Antonio Spurs season preview: Lineup, roster and prediction

The NBA's reigning defensive player of the year enters the 2026-27 NBA season as the early betting favorite to win MVP honors. Wembanyama also agreed to a new contract extension in July in which he took less money than he could have received had he waited until next year to sign. This will help San Antonio maintain a young core that showed during last year's postseason run it's capable of being a title contender for the next decade.

The emergence of 2025 No. 2 overall pick Dylan Harper and the addition of veteran forward Tobias Harris have further fueled optimism (and expectations) concerning the Spurs' future. But their immediate NBA title hopes, and long-term dreams of forging another franchise dynasty, ultimately hinge on Wembanyama.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver poses with 2026 draft prospects before the NBA Draft at Barclays Center.