3 Spurs who deserve more rotation minutes this season

Despite high hopes to start the season, the San Antonio Spurs have struggled mightily over the last several games. With San Antonio having the worst point differential in the NBA by far, not much is working but there have been a few bright spots.

That poor play may soon force coach Gregg Popovich to shake things up by adjusting his rotation and giving more minutes to the players that are playing well and fewer to the ones that aren't. Let's take a look at the players most deserving of playing more minutes this season.

3.) Doug McDermott

Veteran sharpshooter Doug McDermott has shot the ball especially well to start the season. Through the Spurs' first nine games of the season, McDermott is draining 51.2% of his threes while also mixing in drives to the basket for easy finishes. Despite that, Popovich has continued to play him consistently, albeit limited minutes.

The main reason why McDermott doesn't have a bigger role at the moment is due to defensive concerns, which are valid, but his shooting ability should outweigh them. Teams have been sending doubles at Victor Wembanyama while sagging off shooters, and McDermott has feasted. However, balancing how best to maximize McDermott can be tricky.

Fortunately, Popovich is on the right track by playing him alongside Tre Jones, Cedi Osman, Charles Bassey, and Wembanyama late in the first and third quarters and to start the second and fourth. Having rim protection behind him gives him backup on defense.

On offense, having a point guard who pushes the pace, another shooter in Osman, a roll man in Bassey, and a unicorn in Wembanyama should help him get open shots in transition or in the half-court. Thus far, it hasn't worked all that well, but as Wembanyama gets better on both ends, that lineup could be more effective, and McDermott could see more minutes off the bench.