Tobias Harris makes Mitch Johnson's starting decision easier by buying into Spurs way

The San Antonio Spurs signed Tobias Harris this offseason, and it immediately created questions. Harris has started every game he’s played in over the last nine years, but the Spurs already have Devin Vassell and Julian Champagnie locked in at the forward spots. San Antonio can only start five players. They should keep the incumbents in place, but would Harris accept a bench role? The veteran gave an emphatic answer at media day.

“I only have one goal here, and that is to win. Whatever opportunity or role is presented is the one I’m going to make the best of. I think there is this unwritten rule in the league of expectation, and I don’t really play by that rule. You have to come in here, work your butt off in training camp, and earn every single minute.”

The Spurs' success has been built on sacrifice and doing everything possible to help the team. From Manu Ginobili accepting a sixth man role to Dylan Harper coming off the bench last season, San Antonio keeps winning by getting talented players to buy into their roles. Harris clearly has no problem doing that.

Tobias Harris wants to be with the Spurs

Harris is entering his 16th NBA season. He has averaged 20 points per game for an entire season and been to the playoffs nine times. The 6’8 forward has played several different roles, but the sole focus now is winning a championship.

The 34-year-old clearly thinks the Spurs give him the best chance to accomplish that goal.

Harris couldn't hide his excitement to join the organization and had high praise for Victor Wembanyama’s work ethic. The Spurs were ahead of schedule in reaching the NBA Finals last season. Harris could be the missing piece in bringing the title back to San Antonio.

Mitch Johnson should stick with Julian Champagnie and Devin Vassell

Harris, Julian Champagnie, and Devin Vassell all deserve to start, but San Antonio only has two forward spots available. Vassell’s $135 million contract likely locks him in. Champagnie earned the starting role last season. He is an elite shooter and is comfortable as a 3-and-D option.

This isn’t head coach Mitch Johnson’s only difficult call during training camp. The Spurs lacked shot creation and a true power forward in the playoffs. Harris figures to solve both issues. He was the Pistons’ second-leading scorer during their postseason run in 2026. Harris can get a bucket and will be able to match up against Chet Holmgren, Jaden McDaniels, Aaron Gordon, and whoever else the Spurs need him to.

Harris buying into any role should make this easier to coach Johnson. He should keep Vassell and Champagnie locked in until he needs to make a change. Harris will get plenty of chances to start this season as players are forced to miss time. It is all about winning. Continuity gives San Antonio the best shot early, and things can always change.

Spurs are building something special

They have arguably the best top-seven in the NBA. Wemby, De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, Harper, Harris, Vassell, and Champagnie are all starters for most NBA teams. The Spurs can only have five. The fact that this group doesn’t care who and just wants to win is special.

Wembanyama took a discount to try to keep this group together. Harris went from making over $26 million down to $15 million to join the Spurs. Fox requested a trade to San Antonio. This team wants to win and is willing to sacrifice to do it. That is how Gregg Popovich led the Spurs to five championships. The new group is certainly taking notes from the past.

Tobias Harris is willing to accept any role and is excited to play for the San Antonio Spurs. Fans have to be excited to hear those words on media day. The veteran has started every game since 2017, but he is willing to change that if it helps the franchise win. That is the Spurs’ way and only improves the team’s chances of winning it all.

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