San Antonio Spurs emerge as NBA title favorites

The San Antonio Spurs are entering the 2026-27 NBA season with championship expectations, as the league's general managers have named them the favorites to lift the Larry O'Brien Trophy.

According to the NBA's annual GM Survey, San Antonio received 50% of the votes to win the championship, narrowly ahead of the Oklahoma City Thunder at 43%. It's a remarkable rise for a franchise that has quickly transformed from a rebuilding team into one of the league's strongest contenders.

At the center of those ambitions stands Victor Wembanyama. The 22-year-old French superstar is the overwhelming favorite to win his first MVP award, receiving 77% of the votes. He also earned 97% of the votes for the NBA's best defensive player.

After finishing last season with an impressive 62–20 record and reaching the NBA Finals, the Spurs now have their sights set on taking the final step. Their defeat to the New York Knicks has only raised expectations for a young team determined to return stronger.

Alongside Wembanyama, Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper form one of the NBA's most exciting young trios. An overwhelming 87% of general managers identified San Antonio as having the league's most promising young core, while Harper was tipped as a leading breakout candidate.

The Spurs will face an immediate test when they open their season against the Oklahoma City Thunder on October 20, bringing together the two leading championship contenders.

For San Antonio, the message is clear: the rebuilding years are over. With a generational superstar, an emerging supporting cast, and unfinished business from last season, the Spurs are no longer simply building for the future. They're ready to compete for the title now.