Spurs Secure Victor Wembanyama’s Backup Through End of Season
Feb 25, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; San Antonio Spurs center Mason Plumlee (45) during warm up before a game against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Without having played a single minute in a Spurs jersey, Mason Plumlee (6’11 », 35 years old) has convinced the front office to commit to him for the rest of the season. The 35-year-old veteran center has officially been signed for the remainder of the 2025-2026 season by the San Antonio Spurs, as the franchise announced on February 27.
Already signed via a ten-day contract on February 17, the former Charlotte big man will now occupy the 15th and final guaranteed contract spot on the Texas roster.
An Experienced Reinforcement Behind Victor Wembanyama
While Mason Plumlee hasn’t yet stepped on the court with San Antonio, his profile has clearly impressed the organization. His experience (12 NBA seasons), defensive impact, and ability to fill a rotation role make him a safety piece behind Victor Wembanyama.
In a frontcourt already consisting of Luke Kornet and Bismack Biyombo, the decision may be surprising. But the Spurs likely prioritized the reliability of a player seasoned in NBA battles, capable of bringing physicality and basketball IQ in case of tough matchups in the spring.
A Useful Profile in Case of a Matchup Against Denver
One argument in favor of Plumlee could also be his familiarity with the Denver Nuggets, where he played for over three seasons. In the event of a playoff matchup against Nikola Jokic, his collective and individual experience facing the Serbian center could represent a strategic asset.
With 874 NBA games under his belt (480 starts), Mason Plumlee posts career averages of 7.9 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 21.6 minutes. This season, he had played 14 games with the Charlotte Hornets, averaging 1.9 points and 2.9 rebounds.
Having also played for Brooklyn, Portland, Denver, Detroit, and the Los Angeles Clippers, the center primarily brings stability to a young group under construction around Wembanyama.
An Eventful Journey Before Landing in Texas
Arriving in Charlotte from Phoenix during the offseason, Plumlee was then sent to Oklahoma City at the trade deadline, before being waived immediately after. Two weeks later, he’s settled in Texas with a guaranteed contract in hand.
In San Antonio, the objective is clear: mentor the youth, secure the frontcourt rotation, and offer an additional option to Mitch Johnson in the Western Conference race.
For Victor Wembanyama, it’s also the assurance of having behind him a veteran capable of absorbing minutes, defending hard, and bringing a voice to the locker room.
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