Bleacher Report's ranking of starting lineups across the league was recently released, and the Spurs landed at spot 13. Obviously, that's not exactly where we want this team to be, but it's a fair placement for where they are in their journey, especially considering so much is unknown about what version of certain players we'll get when the season starts.
That gives us a solid starting place, though. I believe that De'Aaron Fox and Victor Wembanyama are about to be a force of nature. The strong 1-2 combo should constantly put defenses in conflict, and if Fox leans into his ability to notch steals with the ultimate rim protector behind him, their defense can be special, too. But it's not just about them. There will be three other players on the court.
This summer is crucial for the Spurs' development
Until we see Wemby and Swipa make noise; until we see the other three guys get on the floor and play to their potential, we're just speculating. But that's what we're supposed to do as long as we do it responsibly. In order for San Antonio to change the perception of their starting lineup, Stephon Castle and Devin Vassell need to take another step, and Harrison Barnes must keep up his stellar play.
I'm even open to Jeremy Sochan supplanting Barnes in the starting unit, but he'd have to up his three-point game significantly to do that. 31% isn't going to get it done. Space is the name of the game in today's NBA, and defenses don't have to respect Sochan enough to take his away. The same can't be said for HB. He'll make you pay for sleeping on him, especially from the corner.
I'm actually a little surprised that BR handled this ranking so well. Usually, I have to tear apart their lists. There's a lot of disrespect, underrating, and clarification that needs to be had when responding to their claims. But they put the Spurs right over the Detroit Pistons and the Philadelphia 76ers. How can one argue with that?
The team directly in front of them is the Atlanta Hawks. Is that one debatable? Yes, but to outright complain about it would be doing the most. The Peach State representatives were a surprise team last season. They had a great season and added Kristaps Porzingis in the offseason, so being high on them is understandable.
The next two teams ahead of San Antonio are the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Los Angeles Lakers. It will be the Silver and Black's job to surpass those teams once the games begin, because they are capable. Wembanyama is the great equalizer. If he turns into an unstoppable monster, he can send the perception of the opening lineup through the roof. But again, he has to get on the court first.