Spurs' Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle & Dylan Harper listed as early frontrunners for major NBA awards

ESPN’s “Summer Forecast” for the 2026-27 NBA season names multiple San Antonio Spurs as early frontrunners for major awards, spotlighting Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle, Dylan Harper and even Coach Mitch Johnson. Castle is projected as the leading candidate for NBA Most Improved Player, with Per 36 Minutes projections pointing to career highs across points (16.7), assists (7.4), rebounds (5.3), steals (1.1) and blocks (0.3). ESPN also projects Harper as a strong contender for Sixth Man of the Year, positioned between Alex Caruso and Ajay Mitchell. Wembanyama remains central to the Spurs’ two-way upside narrative.