Spurs Finally Respected In Power Rankings

San Antonio Spurs’ All-World superstar center/forward Victor Wembanyama has properly aligned his personal goals for 2026/27 with those of his team. When Wemby dominates, as he did once again yesterday in his Spurs’ disposal of the Phoenix Suns, 122-96, the picture becomes crystal clear. Wemby is the “Bugatti La Voiture Noire”, while his supporting cast of Stephon Castle, De’Aaron Fox, Dylan Harper, and perhaps surprisingly, Julian Champagnie represent the “Mansory” accessory parts that have made the Spurs the hottest ticket in the NBA.

The recent boost, and healthy projected outlook for TV ratings, is due in large part to Wembanyama’s quest for his first Most Valuable Player award being aligned squarely with the first San Antonio Spurs NBA title of his era and tenure.

Despite not having the best record at the moment, the Spurs have the best player. With respect to the Los Angeles Lakers and Luka Doncic, who is manhandling opposing defences and averaging an astonishing 40 points per game so far this season, it is Wembanyama who has elevated his profile to become the total package.

Monday night’s stat line revealed Wemby going 15-for-19 from the field, for 40 points, 11 rebounds and nine blocks. It was seemingly an encore from his incredible November 4th performance, where the French phenom gathered 52 points, 24 rebounds and eight blocks in a 112-111 win over the Dallas Mavericks.

These performances put him into extraordinary company that is already approaching historical levels. At age 22, Wembanyama has two career triple-doubles featuring blocks as the third statistical category, and has come close to several more. His 12-block playoff triple-double against Minnesota in May was another reminder that his defensive impact can be just as overwhelming as his offensive production. The all-time benchmark for this particular achievement remains Hakeem Olajuwon’s 11.

Who knows if Wembanyama is aware of the company that he appears positioned to assimilate with in the vault of NBA history, but at the present moment, two goals are absolutely front and centre. Those are an MVP and an NBA title.

There is something different about the way San Antonio is approaching this season. Wembanyama is no longer simply the extraordinary young talent that opposing teams must prepare for. He is becoming the player around whom an entire franchise can build its identity. Castle, Fox and Harper provide the kind of supporting talent that allows him to concentrate on doing what he does best, while Champagnie and the supporting cast continue to make the Spurs a much deeper proposition than many anticipated.

The MVP conversation will inevitably involve Doncic and other established superstars, but Wembanyama will not be denied. His combination of scoring, rebounding, rim protection and sheer presence on the floor is unlike anything else in the league.

San Antonio may not have the best record today, but the Spurs are putting the league on notice, that the road to the NBA championship runs through Wembanyama. The Bugatti is out of the garage, and the rest of the NBA is alert, in admiration of the Spurs superstar.