Forecasting the San Antonio Spurs’ unpredictable starting lineup

San Antonio Spurs Small Forward: Keldon Johnson

With Murray gone, Keldon Johnson is now expected to be the team’s number one option, especially after signing a 4-year, $74 million extension. Johnson has done more than enough to warrant the extension, but it remains to be seen if he can handle being the Spurs’ go-to guy.

There will definitely be a learning curve, but Johnson displayed flashes of shot creation during the second half of last season. Now those skills will be on full display, and he could see a huge jump in his production as a result.

Actually, Johnson had a career year last season, and he could very well have another career year next season. That would be great news for the Spurs, who don’t have much in the way of offense on the roster but might be able to cobble something together if Johnson is better than expected.

For instance, he improved dramatically as a passer late last season by leveraging his frequent drives to the rack into easy layups for other players. It might not be enough to keep up with other teams, but more of that, in addition to upping his scoring average to more than 20 points per game, is a good start.

San Antonio Spurs Power Forward: Jeremy Sochan

The Spurs’ decision to select Jeremy Sochan ninth overall likely won’t fully pay off until they’re good again, given his ceiling is that of a high-level role player. Despite that, Sochan could still be an immediate contributor for the Spurs next season.

Although Spurs Coach Gregg Popovich doesn’t have much of a track record of starting rookies, he hasn’t had many top 10 picks either. Nor has he coached a team so devoid of proven talent. As a result, Sochan’s defensive versatility could trump his inexperience and win Popovich over in training camp and during the preseason.

Given the Spurs’ lack of depth at power forward, Sochan should be considered the odds-on favorite to start, even if he’s only 19 years old. His unique skill set would be better utilized there since his switchability could help boost the team’s defense, while his underrated scoring and passing would certainly benefit the offense.