San Antonio Spurs projected lineup and rotations heading into 2023-24 season

San Antonio Spurs starting center: Victor Wembanyama

Ultimately this is Victor Wembanyama’s NBA position. He could spend some time at the 4 next to Zach Collins or Charles Bassey, but the Spurs should hope to cement Wemby as a rim protector and defensive anchor who is involved in more than simple help-side actions. He is going to be the sun around which San Antonio’s defense orbits.

The Spurs’ defense was god-awful last season. Wembanyama is only a rookie, and it’s never wise to bet on 19-year-olds to completely revamp a professional defense. That said, his sheer length alone will alter how offenses attack the paint against San Antonio. He has an 8-foot wingspan; even if Wembanyama is fundamentally a work in progress, and even if Wembanyama struggles with the more physical interior scorers the NBA will throw his way, he’s going to have a pronounced impact defensively.

On the offensive end, there’s just as much to be excited about. Wembanyama struggled in certain respects in Summer League, but he looked willing and able to push the ball in transition and create for teammates. He’s a naturally unselfish kid who won’t domineer possessions. In fact, the Spurs will probably have to encourage Wemby to be more selfish as his career progresses. Ultimately, there aren’t many 7-footers who can smoothly create their own shot at every level like Wembanyama. He’s a special, special athlete.

San Antonio is expected to proceed with the utmost caution regarding Wembanyama’s workload. There are natural concerns tied to any player with such skinny limbs and such a towering frame. But, he has taken more preventative measures than the average teenager and he’s a determined competitor. Expect sustained excellence from day one.

Primary backup center: Zach Collins

Zach Collins had the starting job wrapped up before the Spurs landed the No. 1 pick. Expect him to see plenty of time both behind and alongside Wembanyama next season. It took Collins a while to find his footing in the NBA after a slew of injuries early in his career, but he’s 6-foot-11 with nimble feet, strong defensive instincts, and an efficient 3-point shot. He’s going to stick in the league for a while.

Other players who could receive minutes at center: Charles Bassey

The Spurs signed Charles Bassey to a standard NBA contract after he very swiftly outplayed his two-way contract last season. A former five-star recruit, Bassey has always been a freakish athlete. He’s built like a Roman gladiator; now he’s protecting the rim without fouling and finishing efficiently at the rim on offense. If not for Wembanyama, there’d be a very clear path to a third-year breakout for the Western Kentucky product.