After years of rebuilding, next season could be the year that the San Antonio Spurs make the playoffs. However, not so fast. At least, according to ESPN's Tim Bontemps, who has serious [concerns about their roster](https://youtu.be/MOK_7Qy5ykI?si=RzRcKlCu3mMX6lZY&t=2235), specifically in their front court.
The projected starting front court is promising enough with Devin Vassell, Harrison Barnes, and Victor Wembanyama. Wembanyama is obviously the team's best player, and Barnes emerged as a crucial piece last season after drilling 43.3% from three.
If he can shoot above 40% from outside and continue to score effectively off cuts, then he will have more than earned his starting role. Vassell is the big wild card, with him coming off an awful season.
If he can't bounce back, then that could spell trouble for the Spurs. They need his shooting and need the 2022-23 version of Vassell that shot a blistering 38.7% from three on seven attempts per game.
Do the San Antonio Spurs have a front court problem?
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Although Bontemps has his concerns about the Spurs' front court, I don't share those same concerns. Vassell is a wild card, but him regressing to the mean should result in him having a much better shooting season.
That alone should be more than enough to justify his spot in the starting lineup given this team's lack of shooting. To Bontemps' point, there are some question marks on the bench, namely Keldon Johnson and Jeremy Sochan.
Johnson showed signs of life after an inconsistent first half of last season, but questions remain. His once-promising 3-point shot has abandoned him, and it's probably not coming back.
On another team his relentless attacking ability and infectious energy would be better served. On this team, it has its place, but it's clearly not as needed as it once was. His role should be lessened in favor of Julian Champagnie as a result.
What's the verdict on the Spurs' front court?
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As for Sochan, he dramatically improved as a finisher and as a rebounder, making him more efficient offensively to go along with terrific perimeter defense. That's all well and good, but we all know that what he's being judged on is his shooting.
He was worse shooting the ball from outside and from the free throw line last season. Odds are, he won't get much better as a shooter, which still makes him a rotation player, just not a starter on this team.
Particularly with De'Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle also starting. That would be disappointing but doesn't weaken the front court. Factor in Luke Kornet, as well as Kelly Olynyk, who will play some at power forward and center, and the Spurs have a big upgrade behind Wembanyama.
Ultimately, while there are some questions, including Vassell, Johnson, and Sochan, they should be easily answered. Vassell could simply play better, Johnson's role may decrease, and Sochan should be at least a good rotation player, or hopefully better. The Spurs' front court rotation should be more than fine next season at worst and very good at best if everything goes right.