With the offseason nearing its end, the Spurs have some decisions to make on who will be in the starting lineup this upcoming season. It all starts with how they will use first overall pick, Victor Wembanyama. Wemby wants to play power forward instead of center which would lead to a different lineup if he started at the center position.
Here is the Spurs’ projected starting lineup for the 2023-24 season.
After resigning Tre Jones this offseason, he will more than likely be the starting point guard. Jones averaged 12.9 points and 6.6 assists per game last season. He is able to set up his teammates well and should see more wide-open looks with the defensive focus on Wembanyama in the post.
Vassell is coming off of a season where he dealt with multiple injuries. He played only 38 games but averaged a career high 18.5 points to go along with 3.9 rebounds and 3.6 assists.
The former first round pick has a chance to win Comeback Player of the Year and become the Spurs’ best player behind Wemby if he can stay healthy.
Johnson is coming off of averaging a career-high 22.0 points per game along with 5.0 rebounds and 2.9 assists. He did struggle shooting from deep last season, making just 32.9 threes per game on 6.5 attempts.
He was recently interviewed and said that he would be willing to come off of the bench if Popovich needs him to. This is very unlikely as Johnson has been the Spurs’ best player over the last few seasons.
Sochan is coming off of a very good rookie season. He averaged 11.0 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.5 assists last season. He is a great defender who is able to rack up steals and blocks and will fit perfectly beside Wemby.
Sochan does need to improve his shooting numbers especially from deep as he made just 24.6 percent of his threes last season.
The first overall pick will have a huge impact on the Spurs, especially their last ranked defense. Wemby has a great chance to win Rookie of the Year and be an All-Star in his first NBA season.
The real question is whether or not he will be the starting center or power forward. If he ends up playing power forward, expect Popovich to start Zach Collins at center and move either Sochan or Keldon to the bench.
The Spurs’ rebuild is not over but this projected lineup is better than it has been over the last few seasons. Expect the silver and black to compete for a play-in spot this upcoming season.
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Featured image courtesy of NBA.com.
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