San Antonio’s roster depth shines as Brian Wright’s strategic trades and late-round steals surround their generational superstar, signaling a decade of dominance beyond mere lottery luck.
Since being hired back in August of 2019, San Antonio Spurs GM Brian Wright has accumulated quite a strong reputation through his work in the NBA Draft.
While selecting Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper with top picks provided a strong foundation, Wright has arguably done some of his best work outside of the Spurs' decisions with their premium draft capital.
San Antonio's front office as a whole has exhibited an immense eye for talent since the beginning of the 2020s — and its success has been recognized through The Ringer's updated list of the NBA's top 100 player rankings.
The Spurs boasted a league-best eight players, edging out Western Conference rival Oklahoma City, which placed seven players on the list.
After winning Defensive Player of the Year while guiding the Spurs to their first NBA Finals appearance in 12 years, Wembanyama unsurprisingly led the way at No. 2 overall, trailing only reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
But the real takeaway here isn't Wembanyama ... it's the amount of talent San Antonio has accumulated around him.
Castle checked in at No. 26 after emerging as one of the league's best two-way guards, while Harper landed at No. 45 following perhaps the greatest NBA Finals performance from a rookie since Magic Johnson in 1980.
De'Aaron Fox wasn't far behind at No. 46, giving the Spurs three players inside The Ringer's top 50.
Devin Vassell came in at No. 65, veteran free agent addition Tobias Harris slotted in at No. 86 and fan favorites Julian Champagnie and Keldon Johnson rounded out San Antonio's representation at Nos. 98 and 99, respectively.
The impressive part?
Outside of Wembanyama, Castle and Harper — all top-four picks — every other player on the list was acquired through a trade, free agency or with a selection outside of the top 10.
Johnson was selected 29th overall in 2019 as part of the Kawhi Leonard trade.
Vassell was the franchise's highest draft pick since Tim Duncan after has chosen 11th in 2020.
Champagnie was a waiver claim once the Philadelphia 76ers cut him loose.
Fox was acquired through a buy-low trade with the Sacramento Kings.
Harris was inked to a two-year, $30.8 million deal after hitting the open free agent market this summer.
The Spurs' front office has consistently identified value where other organizations have failed to see it.
The result is one of the deepest rosters in basketball and a championship window that could realistically, barring injuries, remain open for the next decade.
