Before the 2025-26 season, the San Antonio Spurs were not seen as genuine contenders. However, that quickly changed when they touched the floor because they were playing on another level. 

They managed to maintain their elite level throughout the season, even reaching the NBA Finals for the first time in the Playoffs as a group. Now, they will have huge targets on their backs because they are not a surprise anymore.

The Spurs know they are the NBA's hunted in the 2026-27 season

With Victor Wembanyama as the star player, it is easy to see why people are so excited about the Spurs. He has the ability to carry his team to victories on both ends of the floor with his elite talent.

However, he is not alone, as the Spurs boast a fantastic roster around him. That is why they are such a dangerous team ahead of the 2026-27 season. They are even better now, and that means the rest of the league will also be doing their best to beat them in every game.

MORE: Mitch Johnson and the Spurs are embracing the noise surrounding the team

As one of the core players, Julian Champagnie knows the team will need to be even better this time around. They are not the surprise team anymore, as they are now the hunted, especially after they went to the Finals.

"I just feel like coming into this year, we're more of the hunted; we're not the hunters. Obviously, we'll still go out there to hunt wins, hunt games, and hunt wins, but I feel that's the difference; there's a shift," Champagnie said in an interview with SiriusXM NBA Radio.

"Teams weren't expecting us to be that good. I think this year, teams are coming in saying, 'They're gonna be that good.' So we have to prepare if we are that good."

He makes good points because everyone will be looking at the Spurs as one of the top teams in the league. They are not just a team on the rise, they are now one of the big dogs, who will have to meet expectations in the 2026-27 season.

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