Projected starting lineup: San Antonio Spurs
Point Guard: Tre Jones
Shooting Guard: Devin Vassell
Small Forward: Keldon Johnson
Power Forward: Victor Wembanyama
Center: Zach Collins
The Spurs’ starting lineup will look surprisingly similar to the one from last year’s 22-win team, with one exception. Number one overall pick Victor Wembanyama will slot in as a power forward this season, replacing 2022 10th overall pick Jeremy Sochan. He’ll likely serve as the Spurs’ sixth man, while Wembanyama could be the player that they’ve been desperate to find since Kawhi Leonard forced his way out of San Antonio.
He’ll give San Antonio’s offense a focal point, which should make the lives of last season’s leading scorers, Keldon Johnson, and Devin Vassell, much easier. Both players could thrive with the increased spacing that starting two stretch big men can provide. Additionally, Wembanyama is certain to draw attention when playing near the basket, with opposing big men attempting to front him and teammates ready to sprint over and help.
That will free up Vassell, Johnson, and Collins for open threes and Jones for backdoor layups and hopefully some threes. Speaking of Jones, he was brought back on a two-year deal, likely because the Spurs failed to upgrade at point guard. He is a good playmaker and tries to make himself more of a scoring threat despite not being a 3-point shooter.
He’ll be key to getting Wembanyama the ball in the right spots, and his lack of shooting might not matter as much as a result. However, if he can shoot at least 35% from three on high volume, his value to the team would go way up. Nevertheless, the Spurs’ success will depend on how good Wemby is as a rookie.