ESPN's annual player list is a consistent magnet for controversy, and this year is no different after the media giant placed San Antonio Spurs superstar Victor Wembanyama at No. 5 on its list, six notches higher than his previous one last year.
However, what made fans and critics raise their eyebrows was who Wemby was ranked over: Anthony Edwards , Stephen Curry , Kevin Durant and LeBron James . According to ESPN's veteran journalist Brian Windhorst , Wemby's finishing ahead of those legitimate legends and a bona fide superstar like Ant places some pressure on him to live up to his lofty standing on the list.
The Spurs stand as one of the NBA's most respected franchises, distinguished by their on-court success and the strong, familial culture they've fostered among their players. However, it also cannot be denied that the team is going through an extended drought.
In fact, the Spurs have not had a winning season or made the postseason since 2019. Windhorst declared that the only way Wemby will do justice to his high ranking is if he can help turn the Spurs around and bring them back to their former glory.
"MVPs, champions, All-NBAs. He's got none of those," Windhorst said , referring to Wemby's career achievements compared to the icons he leapt over. "And really, what I think you're expecting is the Spurs to make a jump because you can't get a top 10 status in the league unless you're leading a highly competitive team."
As tantalizing a talent as the Frenchman is, his presence hasn't translated to significant team success. The Spurs won only 22 games in Wemby's rookie season, and last season, one in which the latter played in only 46 games due to deep vein thrombosis, the team accumulated a dismal 34 victories.
Windhorst, though, holds a lot of optimism for Wembanyama this season, especially since young NBA players tend to make that crucial leap in their third season.
"If Victor does that and leaps into that top five, the Spurs need to come with him," Windy stated. "And if they don't, he's not going to get those accolades. That's just reality."
While Wembanyama is undeniably the crown jewel of the Spurs' attack on both ends, ESPN pundit Tim Bontemps pointed out that he isn't the only young talent on the team's roster. They also have All-Star point guard De'Aaron Fox, reigning Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle and this year's second-overall pick, Dylan Harper .
Bontemps, though, commented on how making those three perimeter players fit together in the backcourt will be a challenge for Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson.
"It's going to be very interesting to see how De'Aaron Fox and Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle all fit together," Bontemps quipped. "I think the fit there is very questionable. And outside of those guys, there's questionable talent in terms of the frontcourt."
"Where do Keldon Johnson and Harrison Barnes fit long term? Can Devin Vassell stay on the court? This is still a picture that's very much coming into focus in San Antonio around Victor. And I'm not entirely sure this team is ready to have Victor be in the kind of conversation that he is being fifth on this list," he continued.
The Spurs obviously have a talented centerpiece in Wembanyama and skilled backcourt players who can score in bunches. However, the big question remains: Can the team put it all together enough to make noise in the stacked Western Conference?
This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Sep 26, 2025, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
