Blake Wesley’s journey to the NBA has been anything but easy, but that may be exactly what the San Antonio Spurs expected when they drafted him in 2022.
Wesley, a lanky, athletic guard with raw talent, has always been viewed as a project, a player with the potential to shine but who needs time and patience to develop. Now, as he enters his third season, the big question is: Will Wesley finally start to show that he belongs, or will he get lost in the Spurs’ increasingly crowded backcourt?
Wesley’s first two years in the league were a real struggle. He had moments of brilliance, but he struggled to find consistency, especially on offense. As a rookie, Wesley averaged just 5.0 points per game on 32.1 percent field goals. His sophomore season showed some improvement, shooting 47.4 percent, but his playing time was limited and his impact on the game was always more potential than productive.
But if there’s one thing that has kept Wesley at the center of the conversation, it’s his energy and defense, two things that coach Gregg Popovich and the Spurs organization value immensely. Wesley’s athleticism and intensity have never been in doubt. He’s the type of player who takes up the floor, hunts down ball handlers and provides relentless effort every time he steps on the court.
“From day one, I knew Blake was coming,” teammate Devin Vassell said in March. “He always had energy: training camp, summer league, whenever, he was always taking the field and making people turn.”
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That’s exactly what the Spurs are looking for as they focus on building a strong defensive identity. And on a team where defense is the cornerstone, Wesley’s ability to disrupt opponents could make him a vital piece of the puzzle. The problem is, he’s competing for minutes in a back line that’s loaded with talent. With Chris Paul now in the mix, alongside young guards like Malaki Branham and Tre Jones, Wesley’s opportunities could be few and far between.
So where does he fit in? Wesley is too talented to spend more time in the G League, where he has proven he can dominate, but he has yet to show enough consistency to earn a regular spot in the Spurs’ rotation. His struggles in last Summer League, where he still looked raw, only added to the uncertainty surrounding his future.
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There are reasons for optimism, though. Wesley’s defensive potential is significant, and if he can channel his energy into a more disciplined game, he could carve out a niche as a high-impact backup defender. Popovich has always had a soft spot for players who show effort and intensity, and if Wesley continues to develop, he could earn his coach’s trust and a stable role on the team.
As the 2024-25 season approaches, Wesley’s journey will be one to watch. Will he be able to take the next step and become a key contributor for the Spurs, or will he struggle to find his place in a competitive backcourt? For Wesley, this could be a make-or-break season, a chance to prove that he’s more than just a project and that he belongs in the NBA for the long haul.
