The Spurs’ season opener against Oklahoma City gave fans plenty to be happy about, bordering on anticipation. They lost the game 112-107, but winning preseason games isn’t that important to anyone. Especially when three of your best players aren’t on the field. The important thing is to put in the work and make sure the boys develop good habits on the pitch.

Establishing good habits will help a team make progress toward competitive basketball, and San Antonio demonstrated that in its first preseason game. It wasn’t perfect, but they spaced the floor well, covered each other in defense more consistently than last year (although they needed to improve their physicality) and shot very well from three – which was the pleasant surprise of the night.

But make no mistake: Spurs fans had the wind taken out of their sails when they learned that Victor Wembanyama and Chris Paul would not be suiting up for the competition. However, after the game, Coach Pop revealed a different plan for Wednesday night’s matchup against the Orlando Magic.

Sure, Spurs fans had the chance to see Wemby play basketball over the summer when he joined the Olympic team in France. But that’s not the same as cheering for him in a silver and black uniform. It’s been six months since he’s been in court representing San Antonio, and it will be a welcome sight to have him back.

Popovich didn’t reveal whether Chris Paul would be playing or not, but one would assume he wanted him on the court to do some live reps with the guys before the start of the regular season. Paul is approaching 40 and one of the NBA’s most conservative coaches when it comes to taking care of older players will be who he always has been.

Ultimately, Coach Pop is good at extending careers. CP3 seems to take great care of his body, so it’s a match made in heaven. Between the two parties, Paul could spend around 65 games on the floor – a number he hasn’t reached since the 2021-22 season.

Whenever he steps onto the field, Spurs fans will be ready to erupt as he and Wemby execute the first pick-and-roll. When that punch goes into the air and Vic hurls it downward to engage the competition…euphoria.