After the 2024 NBA offseason, the San Antonio Spurs made significant moves to bolster their roster, including the acquisitions of veterans Harrison Barnes and Chris Paul, along with rookie Stephon Castle. These additions were aimed at maximizing the potential of their young star, Victor Wembanyama.
As the season approaches, the expected starting lineup for the Spurs includes Wembanyama, Barnes, Jeremy Sochan, Devin Vassell, and Chris Paul. However, Vassell is still recovering from foot surgery and is expected to miss at least the first five games of the season. This has led to uncertainty regarding who will step into the starting role in his absence. Coach Gregg Popovich has stated, “I don’t know who’s gonna start. I think [Wembanyama is] going to start. After that, who the hell knows?” This highlights the flexibility the Spurs have with their roster and the potential for various players to fill the void left by Vassell .
As the Spurs navigate this early part of the season, it will be crucial for them to determine the best lineup to support Wembanyama and continue developing their young talent .
With Devin Vassell sidelined due to foot surgery, the San Antonio Spurs have a number of viable candidates to step into the starting role. Among them are Keldon Johnson, Stephon Castle, Malaki Branham, and Julian Champagnie. Although none can fully replicate Vassell’s scoring ability, each has shown the potential to contribute significantly if called upon.
Champagnie, who started 59 games last season, seems to be a strong contender for the starting spot. He remains realistic about his chances, emphasizing team improvement over personal accolades: “The minutes will be there. Do I know if I’ll start? No. If I do, hooray; if I don’t, hooray. It doesn’t really matter to me, I’m just here to make the team better.”
This flexible mindset reflects the Spurs’ broader approach as they navigate roster adjustments early in the season. Popovich’s uncertainty about the starting lineup allows for various players to step up and prove themselves.
Malaki Branham, who has started 61 games in his first two seasons, is ready for the possibility of stepping up as a starter while Devin Vassell recovers from surgery. He acknowledges the uncertainty surrounding the lineup, suggesting that the Spurs might employ a committee approach to fill the shooting guard spot. “Nobody has a solid role, I guess you can say,” Branham stated. He emphasized the team’s adaptability, noting the variability in practice squads and acknowledging the impact of Vassell’s absence: “We’re going to miss Dev’s absence, of course.”
This mindset aligns with the Spurs’ overall strategy, where players are encouraged to be flexible and ready for different roles as needed. The team’s ability to adjust will be critical in the early games of the season.
As the Spurs aim for a playoff spot this season, the player who steps into Devin Vassell’s starting role will be under close scrutiny. With several options available, including Keldon Johnson, Malaki Branham, and Julian Champagnie, performance will be key. The player who can contribute effectively to keeping the Spurs competitive—and ideally winning—will earn the starting position. However, this spot is likely to be on a “short leash,” meaning any struggles could lead to quick changes in the lineup.
This dynamic reflects the Spurs’ competitive approach as they navigate early season challenges, particularly with Vassell’s absence.
