All eyes will be on the San Antonio Spurs in the upcoming NBA playoffs. As expected, the franchise has had a swift rise since drafting Victor Wembanyama and is now on the verge of becoming a championship-level team.
The Spurs are chasing the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder in what has become one of the NBA’s top developing rivalries. Hall of Famer Carmelo Anthony recently discussed the future outlook between the teams.
Carmelo Anthony Backs Spurs to Eventually Supplant Thunder as the Top Team
Anthony discussed the Spurs’ potential on the “7 PM in Brooklyn” podcast. He said, “The Spurs are a legit force in this NBA. They’re a legit contender in this NBA.”
While comparing the Spurs to the Thunder, Anthony added, “Shai is right now. Shai is right now and his window, whatever he decides his window is, that’s his window. Wemby will be in year 10 probably? It will be his. It’s gone be his next year.”
Carmelo Anthony says the Spurs are legit and have a brighter future than OKC:
“The Spurs are a legit force in this NBA. They’re a legit contender in this NBA. San Antonio already has the future. You already got the guy who will be there for the next 7 years. Ain’t no telling if… pic.twitter.com/6D9kHOwjbP
— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) March 21, 2026
Anthony’s viewpoint is strongly rooted in Wembanyama’s continued ascension. Wembanyama is widely projected to become the face of the NBA and the league’s best player sooner rather than later. While individual honors like MVP and Defensive Player of the Year are also expected, Wembanyama is focused on helping the Spurs win their first NBA championship since the Tim Duncan era ended.
To do that, the Spurs will have to get past the Thunder, and they’ve had several entertaining battles this season. The Spurs went 4-1 against the Thunder in the regular season, which could be another reason Anthony believes the scales will soon lean in the Spurs’ favor. However, Anthony does acknowledge that current league MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the guy.
As Anthony points out, Gilgeous-Alexander is entering his prime, turning 28 in July. However, he should age gracefully, as his game is not based on pure athleticism but great footwork, craft, and precision.
The Thunder’s other All-Stars, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren, are in the 25-and-under class, which gives the Thunder a long window of contention. The franchise still has a large collection of draft picks that will likely be used at some point to add another star player.
At 22, Wembanyama does have the age advantage over Gilgeous-Alexander, and while the Spurs’ other current All-Star, De’Aaron Fox, is in his prime, future All-Stars Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper are a few years away from turning 23.
Anthony’s comments add more pressure to the Spurs heading into the playoffs. The team’s core is unproven at that level, and nearly every top star has experienced some growing pains before ultimately breaking through.
Wembanyama embraces the pressure, and Anthony is one of many who expect the Spurs won’t have a long wait before winning a championship.
