The San Antonio Spurs’ media day was filled with questions and speculations about the upcoming season. But as always, Spurs’ head coach, Gregg Popovich gave cryptic answers. The most important question for many fans and reporters was about the starting lineup.
The Spurs’ have a strong returning core, including players like Tre Jones, Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson, Jeremy Sochan, and Zach Collins. However, with the addition of first-overall-pick Victor Wembanyama, the team dynamics might go through a significant change.
Popovich’s response was unclear when asked about his starting lineup strategy. “I’ve had no such discussions with anyone, But if Manu Ginobili can come off the bench, anybody can and I don’t wanna hear it.”
Ginobili, a legend in the Spurs’ history, was known for putting the team before his personal preferences. The reference is an indirect signal that any player could be asked to sacrifice a starting spot for the greater good of the team.
Gregg Popovich on the Spurs starting lineup:
“If Manu Ginóbili can come off the bench, anybody can and I don’t wanna hear it.”
(via @poundingtherock, https://t.co/JPwbrJEfQK) pic.twitter.com/4vQ2IP3FQP
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) October 3, 2023
Popovich praised players like Vassell, Collins, Johnson, Sochan, and newcomer Wembanyama without pointing out any particular player. But he hinted that defensive capabilities would play a crucial role in the selection process.
“Winning is as important this year as learning was in the past.” The veteran coach highlighted a possible shift in strategy from previous seasons.
What will be Victor Wembanyama’s role in the Spurs lineup?
Victor Wembanyama, the recent addition to the Spurs, comes with an impressive resume. Last season, while playing for the Boulogne-Levallois Metropolitans 92 in the French Pro A League during the 2022–23 season, he averaged 21.6 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 3.2 blocks per game. His outstanding performance earned him multiple accolades, including being the youngest player to win the league’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) award.
While Wembanyama’s statistics show how talented he is, it remains to be seen how he will fit with the Spurs’ strategy. Popovich mentioned that he wants to observe Wembanyama in the initial games to see his fit with the team.
The San Antonio Spurs will have a very talented & strong potential starting five if they choose Victor Wembanyama No. 1 overall:
PG: Tre Jones
SG: Devin Vassell
SF: Keldon Johnson
PF: Jeremy Sochan
C: Victor WembanyamaBench: Zach Collins, Malaki Branham, Sandro… pic.twitter.com/M9FhjEUjWf
— NBA Buzz (@OfficialNBABuzz) May 17, 2023
The idea of the young star’s position in the lineup is intriguing. Could he secure a starting position, or will he play a crucial role coming off the bench? Given Popovich’s recent comments, Spurs fans should be prepared for anything.
However, whatever decision is made it will prioritize team success over individual preferences. So, even if Wembanyama or any other player plays the sixth-man role, it will be for the greater team achievement. In the coming weeks, all eyes will be on the Spurs’ lineup, waiting to see how Popovich uses his talented roster.