Ranking the 4 best possible Spurs lineups for the 2023–24 season

1.) Branham, Vassell, Johnson, Sochan, and Wembanyama

If the Spurs decide to close each half by playing small, this could be the lineup that Pop chooses. Unlike the small-ball lineup featuring Jones, this would add second-year wing Malaki Branham, who would provide more size and shooting. Getting more positional size and shooting into that unit might offset some of the playmaking concerns. Pop has even tried a combination of this lineup before.

Branham, Vassell, Johnson, and Sochan already have shared the floor together, and now with Wembanyama, the Spurs may try the 5-man group out to see how well they mesh. In theory, they could do well with all five players capable of knocking down threes, which would maximize spacing.

While there would be a question about who would handle playmaking responsibility, they could share point guard duties. It might also not matter as much if Wembanyama is a dominant offensive player who commands double teams.

That might happen even if he isn't, and the Spurs would simply need to get the ball into his hands. Obviously, there will be defenses who will pressure the ball to force turnovers and also try to front Wemby. However, Branham, Vassell, Johnson, and Sochan are all good enough ball handlers and the added spacing would make it much harder for teams to send help without leaving a shooter open.

Even leaving Sochan open could lead to back-door cuts, with Wembanyama being able to see over double teams. Factor in some switchability on defense and Wembanyama as a menacing rim deterrent, and this might be the Spurs' best lineup this season.