Spurs’ lineup shakeup creates a Tobias Harris-sized problem they can’t ignore

Free agent addition Tobias Harris has yet to play a game for the San Antonio Spurs, but his role is becoming increasingly unclear. The Spurs have changed their starting lineup to include De'Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, and Dylan Harper, while Devin Vassell will start at power forward along with Victor Wembanyama.

Vassell, starting at power forward, dramatically changes their depth chart at the four. Instead of Julian Champagnie or Tobias Harris starting, both are now expected to come out of the bench.

With both players in the second unit, it makes Harris' role much less clear-cut. Previously it appeared as though Harris and Champagnie were going to split minutes at power forward minus a few spot minutes for Harrison Barnes and Carter Bryant.

That would have given both players at least 20 minutes per game. Now, with Vassell starting and possibly closing games at the four, he could eat up 15 to 20 minutes at power forward.

Spurs have a Tobias Harris-sized elephant in the room to address

Of course, Champagnie can play small forward just as easily, though that's not his ideal position. Meanwhile, Harris is pretty much a power forward at this point in his career. You see where I'm going with this; by starting Vassell at the four, it suddenly makes Harris' role much smaller than expected.

Remember, most expected the Spurs to start the same starting lineup from last season or give Harris a chance to start a power forward. Now, that's all out of whack.

Coach Mitch Johnson apparently likes Vassell as the fifth starter when paired with a point guard trio and Victor Wembanyama. It's easy to see why during the preseason with Vassell being quicker defensively, giving San Antonio four mobile guards, who can close out on shooters.

Offensively, he's the best all-around shooter on the team and has the most seniority among starters as well. That makes the decision to keep him as a starter much easier. Unfortunately for Harris, if Vassell continues to start, then his role may be drastically reduced.

The Spurs may be sacrificing Tobias Harris' role to start Dylan Harper

Given the two options of starting Harris or Champagnie at the four or benching them in favor of adding Harper and moving Vassell up, Johnson made the right decision.

San Antonio might be much shorter in the starting five than they were before. However, they could compensate by having three ball handlers who can each push the pace, attack off the dribble, and find Wembanyama for easy baskets.

The offensive potential is simply too high for Johnson not to try it. Defensively, they may actually be better served playing four quick guards and Wemby. Vassell is the second-best perimeter defender on the team currently, further adding to his case to start.

All that is to say that by starting Vassell, the shift in minutes could result in Harris playing a smaller role than expected. Obviously, things can change, but it's an interesting development to keep an eye on.

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