The Sky Is Falling! Another Spurs Star Done for the Season—2025’s Projected No. 1 Pick Flirting with San Antonio…

The San Antonio Spurs are in free fall.

Just when fans thought the season couldn't get any worse, another devastating blow has struck.

First, it was Gregg Popovich, the legendary head coach who suffered a stroke in November and hasn't returned to the sidelines since. Now, it's Victor Wembanyama, the franchise’s generational talent, who has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in his right shoulder.

With both pillars of the franchise out, the Spurs’ hopes of making the Play-In Tournament are all but shattered. Currently sitting at 24-31 and 12th in the Western Conference, their already slim postseason chances are fading fast.

And now? The conversation has completely shifted.

Instead of fighting for a miracle playoff push, the Spurs are being urged to tank—to embrace the losses and chase a top pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.

And if the latest rumors are true, there’s one specific player already eyeing San Antonio: Cooper Flagg, the projected No. 1 pick.

Popovich’s Future: Has the Greatest Coach Ever Coached His Last Game?

Before diving into the draft hype, let’s address the elephant in the room—Gregg Popovich’s future.

At 74 years old, the five-time NBA champion coach and winningest coach in league history (1,412 wins) is facing serious health concerns. Since suffering a stroke in November, Popovich has not returned to the bench, and now sources are reporting that he may never coach again.

If true, it would mark the end of an era—an incomparable 28-year run that defined the Spurs dynasty and shaped modern NBA basketball.

Without Pop, the Spurs' identity is in limbo. The team has struggled mightily under assistant coaches stepping in, and without Wemby, it’s hard to see them regaining stability anytime soon.

The logical move? Shut it down and start preparing for the future.

Wembanyama’s Season Ends in Disaster—What’s Next?

Losing Victor Wembanyama is a gut punch.

The No. 1 overall pick from the 2023 Draft was San Antonio’s centerpiece, the player expected to bring the franchise back to championship glory.

Despite the Spurs’ struggles, Wemby was showing serious flashes of superstardom, averaging 20.3 points, 10.4 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 3.5 blocks per game. His two-way dominance was undeniable, and even amid losing efforts, he made San Antonio must-watch basketball.

But now, he’s done for the year.

The diagnosis? Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in his right shoulder—a condition that can be dangerous if not treated properly. The Spurs are rightfully being cautious, ensuring their franchise star fully recovers before stepping back onto the court.

With Wemby out, the team officially has no reason to push for wins.

And that brings us to Cooper Flagg.

The Flagg-Wemby Dream Duo? Spurs Enter the Tank Race

As soon as Wembanyama’s season ended, NBA draft speculation exploded.

According to ESPNBet, the Spurs currently have the 8th-highest odds of landing the No. 1 pick in the 2025 Draft.

And who’s projected to go No. 1?

Cooper Flagg.

Flagg, the Duke University freshman phenom, has been tearing up the college scene, averaging 19.5 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game. The 6’9” forward has drawn comparisons to prime Kevin Garnett, thanks to his elite defensive instincts, motor, and offensive versatility.

Here’s where things get interesting—Flagg himself just liked a tweet suggesting that he could end up in San Antonio.

That’s right, the projected 2025 top pick is openly showing interest in joining the Spurs.

And honestly? The fit makes perfect sense.

• Flagg + Wembanyama would form a defensive nightmare—two elite shot-blockers with insane length and versatility.
• Offensively, Flagg’s game complements Wemby’s perfectly—he’s a great secondary playmaker, a capable shooter, and an intense competitor.
• The Spurs need another star to maximize Wemby’s potential, and Flagg could be the perfect running mate.

But there’s one big problem—San Antonio’s record isn’t bad enough yet.

The Tanking Dilemma: Spurs Have Competition

If the Spurs want Flagg, they need a top pick.

But right now, they’re winning too much.

There are five teams with worse records than San Antonio, all positioned better for the No. 1 pick:

• Washington Wizards (9-47)
• Charlotte Hornets (14-41)
• Toronto Raptors (18-39)
• New Orleans Pelicans (14-43)
• Utah Jazz (14-42)

The Pelicans, in particular, are interesting. They currently have one of the best odds of landing the No. 1 pick, and if Flagg ends up in New Orleans, that would pair him with Zion Williamson (assuming Zion isn’t traded this summer).

Would Flagg rather team up with Zion in New Orleans or Wemby in San Antonio?

Only time will tell.

One Last Warrior: Chris Paul Holding Down the Fort

Amid all this chaos, one man refuses to go down without a fight—Chris Paul.

At 39 years old, CP3 is one of the last remaining veterans on this Spurs roster, and while his days as a superstar are long gone, he’s still doing his best to keep the team afloat.

Granted, his recent shooting numbers have been rough (13 FG attempts, only 2 makes in the last two games), but his passing and leadership remain valuable.

Still, even CP3 knows the writing is on the wall. This season is not about winning anymore—it’s about positioning the team for the future.

Final Thoughts: A Franchise at a Crossroads

With Popovich possibly retiring, Wembanyama shut down, and tanking now on the table, the Spurs’ future is hanging in the balance.

Will they embrace the losses and chase Flagg? Or will they continue to compete, risking a mediocre finish and missing out on another generational talent?

One thing is certain—this isn’t the season Spurs fans envisioned.

But if everything falls into place?

Wemby + Flagg could be the foundation of the next great dynasty.