Until the San Antonio Spurs can fully maximize Victor Wembanyama, they are expected to be stuck in the middle of the pack in a crowded Western Conference. Wemby is easily the best defender in the league and a consensus top-eight player in the world, although he is limited.
Last season, the NBA average for 3-point percentage was 36%. Nine players in San Antonio appeared in 50 or more games, and only three of those returning players shot above league-average.
In order for Wembanyama to dominate the paint, he needs to be surrounded by players who can hit open shots from deep. Sadly, their three lead guards–De’Aaron Fox, Dylan Harper, and Stephon Castle–are all below-average shooters.
Luckily for Wembanyama, the Spurs seem to have built the best lineup with what they have.
GettyMEMPHIS, TENNESSEE – MARCH 01: Stephon Castle #5 of the San Antonio Spurs handles the ball against Santi Aldama #7 of the Memphis Grizzlies during the second half at FedExForum on March 01, 2025 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
San Antonio Spurs’ Opening Night Lineup Revealed
Fox will miss the October 22nd season opener with a hip injury, limiting the Spurs‘ roster flexibility.
In their preseason opener against the Guangzhou Loong-Lions, Julian Champagnie led the team with 16 points, shooting well from deep. He is quietly one of the more reliable shooters in the entire NBA, although he isn’t guaranteed to get a starting nod alongside Wembanyama.
According to Jeff McDonald of the San Antonio Express-News, the Spurs will start Wembanyama, Castle, Devin Vassell, and Harrison Barnes to begin the season. Vassell and Barnes are the two best shooters on the roster. The fifth starter is yet to be named, although Champagnie or Harper are the likely candidates.
With a slashing threat in Castle, shooting threats in Vassell and Barnes, and a do-all center on both ends of the floor in Wembanyama, the Spurs should be able to compete with the more experienced Dallas Mavericks, and once Fox returns, the playmaking engine in San Antonio will only improve.
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – JANUARY 06: Victor Wembanyama #1 and Stephon Castle #5 of the San Antonio Spurs celebrate against the Chicago Bulls during the first half at the United Center on January 06, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
San Antonio Spurs Could Make Lineup Changes
Wembanyama finished the game against Guangzhou with nine points, ten rebounds, three blocks, and six assists. With Champagnie, Lindy Waters III, and Riley Minix all hot from deep, he didn’t have to shoulder much of a scoring load. He seemed pleased to just pass the rock and create shots.
Wembanyama took only three shots in the entire contest, making all of them. He didn’t think he had to do much more than that.
“Tonight, I passed up shots that I could have made with my eyes closed, but it was to give one of my teammates a shot that he can make in his sleep,” he said after the game.
In order to maximize Wembanyama, the Spurs could (should?) add whoever has the hot hand to the rotation. Wembanyama should always have two above-average shooters on the floor with him, and he can be the third floor-spacer if needed. By keeping the paint open, they can give their best player plenty of options to score or create.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post San Antonio Spurs Solved Biggest Problem Around Victor Wembanyama appeared first on Heavy Sports.