Being a fan of the SA Spurs these days feels a bit like... not being able to forget an ex and stalking their every move on social media.

Since moving to SA, I keep watching them... and even though it's a team I have grown fond of, there are many times I want to turn off the TV, thinking, "Is this all they can do?"

They say they are 13th in the Western Conference, but what on earth is going on....

However, the spark of hope is definitely alive. That's the reason we fans still can't give up on the Spurs.

First, let's start with some praise. Big pick, big dream. Yes, it's a big man. Victor Wembanyama. This French monster, selected as the first overall pick in last year's draft, feels like a combination of David Robinson and Tim Duncan in terms of potential. His defensive range covers half the basketball court, and his blocking ability is already among the best in the league. While his offense hasn't fully developed yet, a 224cm player who can step back and hit threes while dribbling is an evolution in basketball.

Moreover, his mentality is impressive. Even in his rookie season, he remains calm and takes responsibility in interviews after losses, which fills fans with pride.

But... that's where the praise ends.

There are plenty of things to criticize. First of all, the Spurs right now feel more like a laboratory than a team.

Coach Gregg Popovich's authority is still intact, but honestly, the last few seasons have been filled with absurd lineup experiments like 'let's try using a backup center as a small forward.'

Rather than strategizing to win a game, the game management often goes awry under the guise of 'testing for the future.' For fans, repeatedly watching them lose helplessly is a struggle. And defensively, it's serious. Even if Wembanyama holds his ground in the paint, the entire team's defensive rotation is slow and loose. Point guards easily penetrate the paint, and perimeter defense often misses. The fact that they've allowed over 120 points in many games this season isn't just because the opposing teams are good. Our defense is simply lacking.

Offense is also a problem. There's still no clear plan on whether to funnel the ball to Wembanyama or to evenly distribute opportunities to the younger players. Players like Tre Jones, Keldon Johnson, and Devin Vassell have talent but are inconsistent, and they lack decisiveness to run the game around them. To achieve synergy with Wembanyama's growth, someone needs to take on a clear 'conductor' role, but that puzzle hasn't been found yet.

Ultimately, the Spurs are in a rebuilding process. This means that losses are taken for granted, and fans are tested for patience rather than hope with each game.

But does that mean we can give up on this team? Absolutely not. Because we know. Before Duncan, after Duncan, the Spurs have always quietly but steadily aimed higher. And now, they are preparing for another great leap centered around the new star, Wembanyama.

Watching Spurs games these days, I sometimes find myself sighing, "What are the coach and players doing?" and at other times, I'm shouting, "This is it!" at one or two of Wembanyama's plays. The Spurs hold the legendary NBA record of 18 consecutive seasons with over 50 wins from 1999 to 2017... I moved to SA in 2018 and started watching Spurs games.

So... is the reason for the Spurs' struggles really me?