More than a month after the NBA Finals concluded, the typically sluggish offseason days are paving the way for rejuvenated expectations, particularly for the San Antonio Spurs where the aura of change begins to permeate the air. With the Summer League often failing to stir the interest of many, especially as top draft pick Stephon Castle sat out, excitement levels were anticipated to be low. But there’s a palpable buzz around the Spurs that cannot be ignored.

San Antonio is posed to make significant strides this coming season, fueled by the acquisition of seasoned veterans Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes. This duo is expected to bring a stabilizing force to the team, enhancing their capacity to finish games strongly and consistently battle through the long NBA season. However, it’s not solely on the shoulders of these seasoned players; the entire squad is making concerted efforts to lift their game.

Standout comments from Blake Wesley highlight the team’s emerging confidence, who shared with @hoopshype, “I feel like we are gonna surprise a lot of people. We still have a lot of doubters and sleepers” (via @JahlilWill). This sentiment is echoed by role players like Julian Champagnie, who during a Summer League shoot-around emphasized the team’s commitment to progress, noting, “We are adamant about getting better this year.”

The Spurs’ dedication is exemplified by players like Zach Collins, who is focused on enhancing his shooting prowess, and Jeremy Sochan, whose continuous training efforts have been well documented. The attitude and actions suggest a team that’s gearing up to be competitive once the regular season tips off.

In addition to internal improvements, Victor Wembanyama’s international exploits continue to raise eyebrows. Shooting an impressive 42% from three in five exhibition games with Team France, Wembanyama is mastering intricate moves like a misdirection dribble followed by a step-back three. Coming off a season where he closed as a top-15 player, there’s a tangible belief that he could crack the top-10 next season, further boosting the Spurs’ playoff aspirations.

As the offseason progresses, the Spurs fans have plenty of reasons to anticipate a resurgence of their team, potentially re-establishing their place in the competitive playoff landscape. With the groundwork being laid now, San Antonio looks poised to surprise the skeptics and make a mark when the season begins.