The San Antonio Spurs set the standard for what contending franchises should look like. They spent 20 years building a strong winning culture and were one of the most dominant forces in the Western Conference over that span.
Nonetheless, all good things must come to an end and that included Gregg Popovich’s impressive playoff streak in charge of the San Antonio Spurs. Now, it seems like the time for a rebuild has come and that they should make a couple of moves.
The Spurs have some movable and valuable veterans that could be dealt before the deadline for some draft compensation. But, for now, their projected starting lineup for the 2020-21 season is going to look like we’re going to show you in the following paragraphs.
Bench: Patty Mills, Tre Jones, Quinndary Weatherspoon, Lonnie Walker, Keldon Johnson, Devin Vassell, Keita Bates-Diop, Rudy Gay, Trey Lyles, Luka Samanic, Tyler Zeller, Drew Eubanks
Point Guard: Dejounte Murray
Dejounte Murray has put up a lot of work to come back from his gruesome injury. Now, he’s finally back at full strength and ready to pick up things where he left them. There’s a reason why he was poised to carry Tony Parker’s torch as the team’s starting point guard.
While Murray is – and likely will never be – the playmaker Parker was, he’s got the potential of becoming one of the best two-way players in the world. He’s long, strong, athletic, and already a suffocating stopper in the backcourt, although he must improve as a shooter.
Shooting Guard: Derrick White
If shooting’s what you want, then you must call Derrick White’s number. White stepped up big time when Dejounte Murray fell off with an injury and filled in perfectly as the team’s starting point guard. Now, he’s expected to start at the two instead.
Derrick White can shoot lights out from all three levels. He’s the best three-point threat they have in the roster right now. He can play on and off the ball and his defense has improved significantly under Gregg Popovich’s command, although he’s unlikely to ever become a star.
Small Forward: DeMar DeRozan
We know for a fact that DeMar DeRozan is going to start the season as the San Antonio Spurs’ starting small forward but most rumors claim that he’s not going to be on their roster by the end of the year. Honestly, he never looked fully comfortable on their system.
But even despite that, DeRozan still posted pretty impressive numbers last season and it’s pretty clear that he’s one of the best players in the league. The Spurs should get plenty of value in return for him even if he’s on an expiring deal.
Power Forward: LaMarcus Aldridge
LaMarcus Aldridge is another former All-Star that never looked truly comfortable on the Spurs’ system. He kind of regressed after breaking out with the Portland Trail Blazers and never fulfilled his true potential as the team’s building block without Kawhi Leonard.
Now, the Spurs could also look to move Aldridge and his big contract in return for young players of draft compensation. He’s not a top-five power forward anymore but he could still play a major role in a contending team looking to add some size.
Center: Jakob Poeltl
Jakob Poeltl is never going to be an All-Star but he does just enough to be granted a spot on any team’s rotation. How’s that? Well, he’s hard-working, plays hards on both ends of the floor, and is the kind of player who rarely makes mistakes.
Poeltl isn’t athletic but makes up for it with his size, strength, and instincts. He tends to be flat-footed when he has to go out to the perimeter but has made great strides as a defender in the post and below the rim. Also, he’s the best player they have on that spot right now.
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The 2020-21 Projected Starting Lineup For The Boston Celtics
The 2020-21 Projected Starting Lineup For The Brooklyn Nets
The 2020-21 Projected Starting Lineup For The Golden State Warriors
The 2020-21 Projected Starting Lineup For The Los Angeles Clippers
The 2020-21 Projected Starting Lineup For The Los Angeles Lakers
