The San Antonio Spurs have a clear prerogative this offseason; get better, quickly, and surround Victor Wembanyama with as much talent as possible. The team signed center Luke Kornet early in free agency to beef up the center position, and just added some more depth by trading for Kelly Olynyk.
Adding a 34 year-old backup power forward might not feel like it moves the needle, but Olynyk is a sneaky good addition for the Spurs. He's a smart passer and capable playmaker, and Kornet + Olynyk will be a big upgrade from the frontcourt Wemby was surrounded with in his rookie year.
Here's how the rotation could shake out this fall (though it is surely subject to change.)
Spurs projected lineup after adding veteran power forward Kelly Olynyk
Position | Starter | Bench |
|---|---|---|
Point guard | De'Aaron Fox | Stephon Castle |
Shooting guard | Dylan Harper | Jeremy Sochan |
Small forward | Devin Vassell | Keldon Johnson |
Power forward | Harrison Barnes | Kelly Olynyk |
Center | Victor Wembanyama | Luke Kornet |
Before you come at me screaming about Carter Bryant — I know! I like Bryant! But he's a project right now, and it might take a bit for him to be ready for NBA minutes. Julian Champagnie might also still fight for minutes in the backcourt, too. Jeremy Sochan isn't really a shooting guard, but it's hard to imagine him totally falling out of the rotation.
Basically, the Spurs have a lot of guys who will fight for time — that's a good thing! This team wants to win as much as possible as soon as possible, so I think a veteran-focused approach to start is the approach Mitch Johnson will take with his team. Minus Dylan Harper, of course,
Spurs open up roster spot in Olynyk deal
San Antonio sacrificed Blake Wesley and Malaki Branham to add Olynyk, meaning the team has an open roster spot. I'm not exactly sure which direction they go with that spot — there isn't a ton of cap flexibility, so it might not be a thrilling signing, but there is still at least one more move to be made this summer.