Ranking the 3 most instrumental bench players for the Spurs this season

1.) Tre Jones

One of the most heated debates on social media this summer has been about who should make the starting lineup for San Antonio. Spurs fans have argued over three incredibly different candidates: Tre Jones, Jeremy Sochan, and Keldon Johnson. Popovich settled things after the latest contest against the Rockets on Wednesday, naming Sochan and Johnson opening-night starters and leaving Jones on the bench.

Though Keldon and Sochan could eventually find themselves in the second unit if the starters falter on offense or defense this season, Jones will begin his fourth year with the Spurs as a sixth man. There is no one with more poise and playmaking experience on this roster than Tre, and he will have a chance to be the engine that pushes their backups to another level.

The 23-year-old floor general has been among the league leaders in assist-to-turnover ratio since entering the NBA, and his steady hand should help Cedi Osman and Malaki Branham thrive off the bench. Despite returning to backup duties, no one should question whether the front office trusts Jones after he signed a $20 million deal in June. He will have time to prove himself this season.