Blake Wesley’s NBA career has been anything but smooth, but perhaps that was exactly what the San Antonio Spurs expected when they signed him in 2022.
A big, athletic guard with raw talent, Wesley was always viewed as a project – a player with the potential to shine but who needs time and patience to develop. Now in his third season, the big question is whether Wesley will finally show he belongs or whether he will get lost in the Spurs’ increasingly crowded backcourt.
Wesley’s first two years in the league were a rollercoaster. He had moments of brilliance, but for the most part he struggled to show consistency, especially on offense. As a rookie, Wesley averaged just five points per game and hit a paltry 32.1 percent of his shots. His second season showed some improvement, with his shooting percentage rising to 47.4 percent, but his playing time remained limited and his impact on the game was still more potential than performance.
But if there’s one thing that keeps Wesley in 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 question. He’s the type of player who runs the entire court, pressures ball-handlers and shows 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 it was, he always took the whole field and blew people away.”
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That kind of usage is 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 an essential piece of the puzzle. The problem is that he’s competing for minutes in a backcourt that’s loaded with talent. With Chris Paul now on the team alongside young guards like Malaki Branham and Tre Jones, Wesley’s chances could be few and far between.
So where does he stand?
Wesley is too talented to spend more time in the G League, where he has proven he can dominate, but aside from late last season, he hasn’t shown enough consistency to earn a spot in the Spurs’ rotation. His struggles in last summer’s league, where he looked inexperienced, have only added to the uncertainty about his future.
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Still, there is reason for optimism. Wesley’s defensive potential is significant, and if he can channel his energy into more disciplined play, he could carve out a role as an effective defender off the bench. Popovich has always had a soft spot for players who bring effort and intensity, and if Wesley can continue to develop, he could earn his coach’s trust and a permanent role on the team.
With the 2024-25 season approaching, Wesley’s development will be an interesting one. Can he take the next step and become a key contributor for the Spurs, or will he struggle to find his footing in a competitive backcourt?
For Wesley, this season could be a defining one – a chance to prove that he is more than just a project and that he belongs in the NBA for the long haul.
