If last season is any indication, the Spurs have a huge advantage over rest of NBA

With a full season under their belt, the San Antonio Spurs have a massive advantage over last season. They know which lineups work best and which don't. While that is true of almost every team with some semblance of continuity, it's doubly important for a young team that was also among the best in the NBA.

San Antonio's depth did heavy lifting early last season, with injuries forcing them to mix and match. That was until they settled on the De'Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, Devin Vassell, Julian Champagnie, and Victor Wembanyama starting lineup during the second half of last season.

The Spurs struck gold with that starting five. In fact, judging by the lineup data, the Spurs are far and away at their best with a couple of ball handlers and two shooters around Wembanyama. The big question, however, is who should start next season for the Spurs.

The Spurs have a big starting lineup decision to make

Guard Dylan Harper and forward Tobias Harris could be potential new starters. Starting Harper would see the Spurs finally embrace the three-point guard lineup despite that trio barely playing last season. They did play more together in the playoffs, but not enough to draw major conclusions.

The other option would see them start Harris over Champagnie. Harris is bigger and has more of a track record guarding physical forwards. He is also a more versatile scorer, with him able to hit threes, drill mid-range jumpers, and score in the post.

On the other hand, Champagnie is elite at catch-and-shoot threes and hitting wide-open shots. Those skills are especially useful with the Spurs having spacing concerns.

Between starting Harper and Harris, I believe the best option would be to start neither. Hear me out. Harper is best served cooking opposing benches—at least for now. Having him start might do more harm than good.

The Spurs' starting lineup from last season is too good to ditch

Devin Vassell thrived in a smaller role last season but can't be counted on to buoy the bench. Instead, keeping Harper with the second unit but expanding his role makes the most sense.

In fact, he should be the Spurs' new Sixth Man, replacing Keldon Johnson in that role. As for Champagnie, between he and Harris, he's the better shooter, defender, and rebounder.

The Spurs also were at their best with him starting last season. That lineup boasted a stellar +18.5 net rating and was even better in the playoffs.

Keeping the starting five intact to begin next season could be the biggest difference between last year and this year. Knowing that lineup is the best possible starting five should make San Antonio much better right out of the gate beginning next season.

As it should be, relying more on Harper to carry the second unit. Meanwhile, the addition of Harris would also provide the bench with more scoring punch.

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