Spurs' defensive potential is overshadowing a huge looming threat

The Spurs have a wide range of factors that can go right or egregiously wrong, depending on the form each player shows up in at training camp. So, we're going to project on the optimistic side of the spectrum and assume everyone is taking this summer more seriously than any previous offseason.

Mitch Johnson is certainly hoping that's the case, because the players needed to clean up some of the team's weaknesses have been added by Brian Wright. But the guys already on the roster have a huge part to play in this organization's ability to kick the door in for their respect. Defense, defense, defense. That's been the emphasis. It's been the mainstay of the culture forever, so fixing it was imperative.

However, the focus on defense has made people forget what's lying in wait on the offensive end of the floor. So instead of talking more about the different lineups the Spurs may roll out on the floor to stifle their opponents, we'll look at which lineups may offer the most firepower.

The Spurs will dominate teams with their offense

So, walk with me and imagine that every player on the roster comes back as the best versions of themselves that we've seen to date. For someone like Harrison Barnes, it's unlikely he has a better year than the one he just had, so for him, just picture him staying in the same place. He doesn't need to do more than shoot 50% fg and 43% 3pt anyway. That works just fine.

Devin Vassell shot 38% from outside two seasons ago, so in this scenario, he reaches that or surpasses it. Julian Champagnie shot 40% as a rookie, but hasn't hit that mark since. He has to know that, and he's surely working on getting back to the flamethrowing that made him an intriguing player in the first place.

Now, stick De'Aaron Fox's career-high 27 points per game in the mix. Will he average that with Victor Wembanyama as the focal point in a selfless offense? Maybe not, but he's certainly capable. We also know that having two players average nearly 30 points a game is very difficult, and in the Spurs system, the other guys need to get touches. You want threats everywhere, so those guys have to get shots.

Lastly, we're picturing Wembanyama walking onto the floor as a top-five player. 27 points per game for the third-year center, double-digit rebounds, four blocks a game, and now dominating both inside and out. That would be an incredibly dynamic group. Those five guys would run a lot of teams out of the gym based on their offense alone. If they're putting in the work this summer, this is a definite possibility.