Earlier than the 2023 NBA Draft Lottery, I wrote about how the highest draft prospects would match into the San Antonio Spurs beginning lineup. To say the piece was ill-received can be an understatement.
On the time the principle critique of my prediction was that I had Jeremy Sochan beginning as a “level ahead.” In Could I additional made my case, click on right here if you wish to see it. After the final preseason sport with the Houston Rockets, Spurs’ head coach Gregg Popovich introduced the beginning lineup for the start of the season as I predicted with Sochan enjoying “level ahead.”
However I’m not penning this simply to brag about my vindication. I’m additionally penning this as a result of beginning Sochan in favor of Tre Jones is a genius transfer by Popovich. Let’s break it down!
In Protection Of Tre Jones
To get it out of the way in which, my evaluation is under no circumstances meant to throw shade at Tre Jones. I consider Jones earned his $20 million two-year contract. It’s my hope that he continues to enhance his sport and might prolong his Spurs deal. If not he ought to have the ability to discover a higher supply some other place.
My perception that Sochan would take his place if the Spurs landed a prime 3 decide was based mostly on the truth that the Spurs by no means supposed for Tre Jones to be a place to begin guard.
Jones Was Going To The Bench Anyway
Earlier than Josh Primo was waived when his indecent publicity allegations grew to become public, he was poised to exchange Jones within the beginning 5. Because the season progressed I consider Primo would’ve been moved to the beginning lineup.
With this in thoughts, it appeared pure that if anybody was to be moved to the bench it will be Jones. However to again up my inclination when Jones was injured final season, Popovich gave ball-handling duties to Sochan.
Sochan had a 30-point sport in opposition to the Suns enjoying as a degree ahead
The Genius Of The Spurs Beginning Lineup
The Spurs have a novel roster this yr in that 4 of the 5 starters are able to enjoying a number of positions. Shohan can play 1-4, Victor Wembanyama can play 1-5, Keldon Johnson can play 1-4 and Devin Vassell can play 1-3.
With Jones shifting to the bench it kind of offers the Spurs two beginning lineups. Think about within the season opener in opposition to Dallas that Johnson will get into early foul bother. You’ll be able to sub Jones in and he takes over as level guard and Sochan shifts to small ahead. You continue to have a lineup of starter-worthy expertise.
Jones might be subbed in for any beginning participant and the lineup would nonetheless be efficient. That is Popovich exhibiting off his genius and knowledge of 27 years of being an NBA head coach.
Nonetheless Rebuilding Extra Modifications To Come
The Spurs might have drafted Wembanyama however that doesn’t imply the workforce’s rebuild is over. It’s protected to imagine that “level ahead Sochan” will not be the long-term resolution to the Spurs’ lack of depth on the level guard place.
There are quite a lot of methods the Spurs can go, I’ll be having a look at their choices in my subsequent submit.
Inform Us Your Ideas
Are you excited for this beginning lineup? Remark your take under
Keep With Challenge Spurs for in-depth Spurs evaluation. Comply with us on X and subscribe to our YouTube channel for extra Spurs content material.