San Antonio Spurs: This lockdown lineup would give teams nightmares

San Antonio Spurs Small Forward: Derrick White

I know Derrick White is usually a guard. Moving to guard a larger small forward will be a challenge, but he has a long wingspan and a vertical jump of at least 36 inches.

His jumping ability is what makes him a good shot blocker. Per 36 minutes, he averages just under a steal and just over a block, which is very good for his position. If he guarded small forwards who usually attack the rim, he could meet them there.

The reason I added White over Keldon Johnson is that Johnson simply isn’t an elite defender yet. It hurts to say, but stats don’t lie. White recorded more blocks and steals no matter how you look at it, and while his rebounding is not that great, his RAPTOR hovers above +3 (second among point guards!) while Johnson’s is below -2. 

Will it take some adjustments for White to become a solid defender at a new position? Probably, which is why I suggest that during the remainder of the offseason, the Spurs run 3-v-3 drills, man coverage, and White and Johnson have to defend each other. Social media would be abuzz. 

Shooting Guard: Dejounte Murray

RAPTOR does not favor Dejounte Murray, who only comes in at +.3. But we all know he’s one of the best defenders in the league. Per 36 minutes, he averages 1.7 steals and a whopping seven rebounds, both excellent for his position. 

Murray can easily shut down opposing guards. He’s the only player on this list who’s been named to an NBA All-Defensive Team, and for good reason. Over his career, he’s showcased clamps over and over again.

He was drafted as a defensive player first, and he’s become more of a two-way player, but defense is his specialty. The only reason I have him at shooting guard instead of point guard is that there’s a better, riskier (what fun!) option at that position.