Why can the nightmare of the Spurs be a blow of fortune?

After the initial stifocón, the questions began: what does this mean for the career of Wembyconsidered one of the most promising prospects in history? Today, nobody knows. According to specialists, there are two very different paths: it can I can never play basketball again In the worst case, or that Recover completely Without any sequel. Recall: he is only 21 years old and it was already there in his second season.

To this emotional limbo that travels the Texan franchise, the stroke suffered by the legend Gregg Popovichwho has already announced that he will not return to the coaching staff of San Antonio This season. The responsibility acquired for the until a few months ago Mitch Johnson reminds us of a young Paul Westhead, happening to Jack McKinney, creator of the show’s style, in the mythical Los Angeles Lakers of 1980.

But of course, the Spurs They are not those Lakers and the results are emerging, at least now, very different.

However, here begins to play Yin and Yang of the same theme: in everything good there is something wrong and in everything bad, there is something good. Because the Spursremember, signed De’aaron Fox before the exchanges deadline. Because a young army, beyond Wembanyamais still being developed, with Stephon Castle, Jeremy Sochan, Devin Vassell and Keldon Johnson as a poker of rising projects.

Today, San Antonio It is logically out of everything. Since the Frenchman played his last game of the season, last February 12 in the defeat against the Boston Celtics, the Spurs They have a record of seven wins and ten losses. With 30 victories and 39 falls, it is almost impossible for them to get into the play-in. And if they are intelligent, they will seek to dodge it.

Is that of this double sports misfortune, that of Pop and Wembyyou can take the big blow to become a contender. The light arises from the mist. Let’s see: next June 15 will be the draft lottery. What would happen then San Antoniowhich is close to receiving, between the first round and second, 17 Draft picks between this year and 2031, is blessed by the goddess fortune? Can you imagine a return from Pop and Wembanyama in fullness, and also add another elite pick?

If this had not happened, the chance would not have existed. And everything can occur without even imagining a potential tanking.

I tell you a secret: it is not the first time that something like this happens in these lands. In 1996-97, the season shortened by the Lockout that ended with the Chicago Bulls Champions, a whirlwind passed in San Antonio. It was the first year that Popovich He directed the product of Brian Hill’s lousy start at the substitute bank (3-15). In those years, Pop He was a general manager of San AntonioHe removed Hill and took the coach’s post to never leave him again, until the misfortune occurred in 2024-25.

San Antonio He went from winning 59 games in 1995-96 to win only 20 in the following season. The main reason? David Robinson’s injuries -a broken on the foot that cost him the season -and are Elliott -a knee injury that only allowed him to play 39 games. As we said, in all the bad there is something good: that allowed them to achieve the pick one of Draft for the 1997 raffle, in which they chose … Tim Duncan.

Five championships, the creation of a dynasty that still survives in the popular imaginary, and one of the most refined cultures of BasketballThey were a lot of work, but also a wink of destiny.

In short, when a threat occurs, an opportunity arises. And where everyone sees weakness, a fortress can begin to originate.

Once again, in the NBA Not everything is what it seems. Action and reaction.

The story, once again, teaches us. And it allows us, more words, less words, anticipate a possible future.