Spurs Training Camp: With Devin Vassell Out, Who Starts for San Antonio?

The San Antonio Spurs will have a gap to fill to begin next season with Devin Vassell still nursing a foot injury, so with that in mind, who might be named starters to begin the year?

Sep 30, 2024; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama (1) poses for a photo shoot during the team's Media Day at Victory Capital Performance Center. / Matt Guzman-San Antonio Spurs On SI

With training camp underway and preseason games starting in less than a week, Coach Gregg Popovich and the San Antonio Spurs are ready to compete. 

At Media Day on Monday, Popovich said he hadn’t decided on a starting five yet, aside from the rising star Victor Wembanyama, naturally. 

“I’m thinking Victor’s going to start, because I’m really smart,” he said. “After that, who the hell knows. We’ll see. It’s up to them. They’ll show me.” 

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The implication is that four of the five starting spots this season are up for grabs, and it’s anyone’s game. That being said, here are some predictions for the starting squad to begin the 2024-25 NBA season: 

1) Victor Wembanyama

Popovich said it himself: he recognizes Wembanyama’s talent and potential as a young player and everything he brings to the team. His performance last season proved how big of a threat he can be on both ends of the floor, quieting doubters who said he wouldn’t adjust well to the demands of the NBA. Wembanyama defies expectations of a player his size with his ball handling ability, the fluidity of his motion, and consistent health. 

With Wembanyama on the court and the right pieces around him, the Spurs are capable of beating any team. 

2) Chris Paul

Easily the best pick-and-roll point guard of his generation, having Chris Paul on the floor will undoubtedly elevate the Spurs’ offensive efficiency. His aptitude for passing made teammates on past teams reach their full scoring potential by creating opportunities nearly every possession. However, the 39-year-old might be on the other side of his best years. Paul should definitely be named to the starting lineup, but he might be more effective in a guard rotation. 

By splitting his minutes with another guard coming off the bench, likely Tre Jones, Paul should be well-rested and prepared for any moments that call for his poise, confidence and command on the court. 

Sep 30, 2024; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama (1) and Chris Paul (3), shake hands during a photo shoot during the team's Media Day at Victory Capital Performance Center. / Matt Guzman-San Antonio Spurs On SI

3) Jeremy Sochan

After starting 73 of the 74 games he played last season, Jeremy Sochan will likely be returning to the starting squad, only in a different capacity. Last season, Popovich experimented with Sochan at point guard, but the power forward struggled to create opportunities for his teammates. With Chris Paul added to the roster, Sochan should return to his more traditional role of a forward, giving him back the flexibility to move and create space like he prefers. 

READ MORE: Spurs' Jeremy Sochan Ready to Thrive at 'Natural' Position

The forward is one of San Antonio’s best defenders, but he needs to contribute more on offense to get wins. To solidify his spot in the starting lineup, Sochan needs to deliver a consistent mid-range jump shot and limit turnovers and mistakes whenever he can. 

4) Harrison Barnes

Another veteran addition to the roster this summer, Harrison Barnes is a versatile forward who scores and defends consistently. His role will primarily be to stretch the floor and create space for Wembanyama near the basket. One of Barnes’ biggest strengths is his catch-and-shoot game. Last season, he averaged 20 points per game and shot a higher percentage from beyond the arc than any Spurs starter last season at 38 percent.

Barnes also played in every game the last two NBA seasons, which should be a huge advantage for a team that previously struggled with injuries. 

5) Keldon Johnson

With Devin Vassell out with a foot injury, the second guard in this lineup will be Keldon Johnson. Over the last few seasons, Johnson has transitioned from one of the team’s leaders to one of the best role players. His role on the team has changed dramatically since the 2021-22 season, especially with the additions of Wembanyama last season and now Barnes and Paul this season. Johnson should contribute a consistent mid-range jump shot this season, but needs to improve his awareness on defense to be a true asset to this team. 

He will likely switch back to a 6th man role when Vassell returns from injury.

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