Spurs’ absurd advantage should propel the defense to new heights

With hopes of making the playoffs next season, the San Antonio Spurs have quietly assembled a talented roster that could break out. Their success, however, will depend on their defense.

Normally young teams are terrible on the defensive end of the floor, but there are plenty of reasons to expect San Antonio to break that trend. First and foremost is superstar Victor Wembanyama. He was the frontrunner to win Defensive Player of the Year before his season ended prematurely.

If he is back and fully healthy for the duration of the season, then he could anchor a top 10, perhaps even the top five, defense. Part of San Antonio's potential defensive attack involves having plenty of youth in athleticism and, of course, plenty of length.

The Spurs have several players whose arms are at least four inches longer than their listed height. That appears to have been a concerted effort by the Spurs, who feature a freakish array of lanky players.

The San Antonio Spurs have a secret weapon to build a great defense

Having long-armed players has plenty of perks. It makes for better shot contests and increases the chances of poking the ball away from defenders or tipping passes.

The latter two could play into the Spurs' strengths, with San Antonio likely hoping to play fast. Tipping passes or knocking the ball loose could allow San Antonio to get out in transition.

Pretty much any lineup that features Wembanyama is sure to be a plus on defense, and the Spurs' projected starting five shouldn't be any different. De'Aaron Fox, Devin Vassell, Stephon Castle, Harrison Barnes, and Wembanyama will likely start and could be well balanced on both ends.

Vassell has shown that he can be an effective defender but has slipped as he's taken on a bigger offensive role. If he reverts back to being a skilled team defender, Castle builds on encouraging play on that end, and Wembanyama is as stingy as ever at the rim, that's the makings of a strong defensive lineup.

What is the Spurs' best possible defensive lineup?

Fox and Barnes will be on the floor for offense but aren't major defensive liabilities. After all, teams don't actively try to exploit them as mismatches, given Fox's size and speed and Barnes having good size while also playing next to Wembanyama.

The projected starting five should be more than fine defensively and above average on offense, potentially making it the Spurs' most balanced lineup. As far as their best potential defensive lineup, that would likely include Castle, Vassell, Jeremy Sochan, Wembanyama, and Luke Kornet.

That lineup would feature two players who are at least 7'1" as well as a 6'8" wing who is already among the league's best perimeter defenders. That is plenty of length in the frontcourt alone, without even factoring in a 6'6" point guard with a 6'10" wingspan.

Whether that lineup works offensively is a big question mark, with shooting being the biggest potential issue. However, if Castle and/or Sochan can emerge as capable shooters, then good luck to the rest of the NBA trying to score against that lineup.

All in all, the Spurs have a secret weapon to build a great defense, with their length hopefully helping them be disruptive on that end of the floor. With a top 10 defense and an above-average offense, the Spurs could have the perfect recipe for making the playoffs next season.