San Antonio Spurs Win Wembanyama: Projected Spurs Starting Lineup, Roster Fit, Team Outlook
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The 2023 NBA Draft features one of the most desired prospects in NBA history: Victor Wembanyama. He’s on par with names such as Bill Russell, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Tim Duncan, and LeBron James. Wembanyama’s measurements are not exactly known, but the 19-year-old stands around 7’4” with an 8’0” pterodactyl wingspan. Wembanyama possesses the agility, ball handling, and shooting of a forward despite his monstrous size, which means his combination of size and skill has never been seen before. In addition, he’s a generational defensive prospect, especially as a help defender.
The San Antonio Spurs had a disastrous season, but winning the lottery completely erases the losses and now sets them up for one of the brightest futures in the league. They will hope that Wembanyama joins David Robinson and Tim Duncan as legendary Spurs big men.
San Antonio Spurs Projected Starting Lineup & Fit
- G: Tre Jones
- G: Devin Vassell
- F: Keldon Johnson
- F: Victor Wembanyama
- C: Zach Collins
Vassell, Johnson, and Wembanyama are locks to start for San Antonio. Tre Jones (12.9 PPG, 6.6 APG) is a restricted free agent, but it’s highly likely they bring him back considering his production, their cap space, and their lacking point guard depth. That leaves one spot open, and it’s between Sochan and Collins. Wembanyama has stated his desire to be a power forward, which would point towards Collins as the fifth starter. However, Sochan flashed immense upside his rookie season, and he remains the superior player. Given Wembanyama’s importance to the organization though, the Spurs will acquiesce to his request.
As for Wembanyama’s fit, he fills plenty of needs. San Antonio desperately must acquire shooting, shot-creation, passing, and size. Wembanyama possesses all of these attributes, so he will inject a burst of scoring and creation into the often lifeless Spurs offense. In addition, he owns Hall of Fame defensive potential because of his massive frame, superb anticipation, and solid foot speed. The Spurs now have their defensive anchor, and he will form a formidable defensive duo with Jeremy Sochan. Overall, they couldn’t have asked for a better draft selection – it’s Tim Duncan all over again.
FIRST LOOK AT VICTOR WEMBANYAMA IN A SPURS JERSEY!! pic.twitter.com/2vwK8d6ukB
— Daily NBA Fantasy (@DailyNBAFantasy) May 17, 2023
San Antonio Spurs Outlook
Despite his generational prospect status, Wembanyama won’t replicate Larry Bird’s rookie success and immediately turn this franchise into a contender. The Spurs remain far away from contention and should secure another high lottery pick next season. Their guard rotation is the main culprit, as they simply don’t have the talent to match the guards of the West. San Antonio’s overall depth is lacking too, and the West is riddled with contenders pushing their chips all-in.
However, the Spurs are not worried as they now have their premier building block to build around along with quality supporting pieces in Jones, Vassell, Johnson, Sochan, Collins, Branham, and Wesley. Coach Gregg Popovich will squeeze the most talent possible out of this youthful roster and help them reach their potential soon. The Spurs are not a threat not, but they are in a great position to fight for a championship for years to come.
“The number one pick in the 2023 NBA Draft goes to…the San Antonio Spurs.” 🙌#NBADraftLottery | @Ticketmaster pic.twitter.com/HWpPi17SaK
— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) May 17, 2023
