The Genius Of The Spurs Starting Lineup

Before the 2023 NBA Draft Lottery, I wrote about how the top draft prospects would fit into the San Antonio Spurs starting lineup. To say the piece was ill-received would be an understatement.

At the time the main critique of my prediction was that I had Jeremy Sochan starting as a “point forward.” In May I further made my case, click here if you want to see it. After the last preseason game with the Houston Rockets, Spurs’ head coach Gregg Popovich announced the starting lineup for the beginning of the season as I predicted with Sochan playing “point forward.”

But I’m not writing this just to brag about my vindication. I’m also writing this because starting Sochan in favor of Tre Jones is a genius move by Popovich. Let’s break it down!

In Defense Of Tre Jones

To get it out of the way, my assessment is in no way meant to throw shade at Tre Jones. I believe Jones earned his $20 million two-year contract. It is my hope that he continues to improve his game and can extend his Spurs deal. If not he should be able to find a better offer somewhere else.

My belief that Sochan would take his place if the Spurs landed a top 3 pick was based on the fact that the Spurs never intended for Tre Jones to be a starting point guard.

Jones Was Going To The Bench Anyway

Before Josh Primo was waived when his indecent exposure allegations became public, he was poised to replace Jones in the starting five. As the season progressed I believe Primo would’ve been moved to the starting lineup.

With this in mind, it seemed natural that if anyone was to be moved to the bench it would be Jones. But to back up my inclination when Jones was injured last season, Popovich gave ball-handling duties to Sochan.

Sochan had a 30-point game against the Suns playing as a point forward

The Genius Of The Spurs Starting Lineup

The Spurs have a unique roster this year in that four of the five starters are capable of playing multiple positions. Shohan can play 1-4, Victor Wembanyama can play 1-5, Keldon Johnson can play 1-4 and Devin Vassell can play 1-3.

With Jones moving to the bench it sort of gives the Spurs two starting lineups. Imagine in the season opener against Dallas that Johnson gets into early foul trouble. You can sub Jones in and he takes over as point guard and Sochan shifts to small forward. You still have a lineup of starter-worthy talent.

Jones can be subbed in for any starting player and the lineup would still be effective. This is Popovich showing off his genius and wisdom of 27 years of being an NBA head coach.

Still Rebuilding More Changes To Come

The Spurs may have drafted Wembanyama but that does not mean the team’s rebuild is over. It’s safe to assume that “point forward Sochan” is not the long-term solution to the Spurs’ lack of depth at the point guard position.

There are a lot of ways the Spurs can go, I’ll be taking a look at their options in my next post.

Tell Us Your Thoughts

Are you excited for this starting lineup? Comment your take below

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