Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images Looking at the results from Pounding the Rock’s latest poll. It’s a line repeated countless times this summer and into the fall: there are high expectations for the 2024-2025 San Antonio Spurs. With the acquisitions of Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes, an exciting new rookie in Stephon Castle, and the overall improvement of the young core, including a leap from second-year phenom, Victor Wembanyana, how could they not be? It seems Spurs fans are riding that hype going into the new year. In the latest poll from Pounding the Rock, we asked readers if they expected the Spurs to surpass their expected win total for this season. Overwhelmingly, the answer was yes, 73% of respondents agreed. There is heavy skepticism if you listen to the national basketball podcasting and broadcasting world. If the Spurs were to leap over their win total, that would be a more than 14-game win jump from last season. That’s quite the leap for any team, let alone one that is still filled with young players learning how to win. As Spurs fans saw in the opener against the Dallas Mavericks, this team still has plenty to improve on. They were disjointed offensively, lacked consistent offensive creation and still made mental mistakes on the defensive end that led to a three-point barrage from the Mavs. This will likely improve throughout the season. Clearly they’ll need to get a key piece in Devin Vassell healthy if they want to make the major improvements people are expecting. Opening night was one bad game for Wembanyanama. It shouldn’t sway anyone in one way or the other. In fact, 94% of respondents think he’ll make his first All-Star game in year two. This feels like a safe bet. If Wembanyama starts the season like he finished last, it won’t even be a conversation. The fan vote alone should carry him, as he’s quickly become one of the most popular players in the league. The better question is, can he make an All-NBA team at the end of the season? Wembanyama has the opportunity to put up a crazy stat line while being one of the most impactful defenders around. The sky is the limit this season for the big man. If you’re looking for a player who breaks out and establishes themselves as a key piece of the Spurs core, look no further than the rookie. Over half of respondents think Castle will have a big rookie season. He’s looked ready for the NBA in the preseason, attacking downhill and making some sweet passes in the half-court. His mid-range game has looked better than he showed in college, too. Add those offensive developments with a high motor on the defensive end, and Castle could become a rotation staple very soon. Do you agree with the results of the survey? Let us know in the comments below!