Spurs’ revamped bench is ready to dominate the non-Wemby minutes

After an impression showing in their first preseason game, the San Antonio Spurs bench may give them an almost unfair competitive advantage. The Spurs bench is revamped but not completely new, with the team wisely tweaking their second unit rather than gutting it.

The additions of Tobias Harris, Tarris Reed Jr., and the returning Keldon Johnson, Dylan Harper, and Luke Kornet could help the Spurs win the non-Victor Wembanyama minutes. Often times, great teams struggle when their best player is off the floor, but San Antonio is poised to buck that trend.

Johnson, who's the reigning Sixth Man of the Year, is back and looks more slimmer than before. However, he may have to take a back seat to Harper, who will play a much bigger role this season.

Spurs’ revamped bench can dominate the non-Wemby minutes

Harper is more than capable of carrying the Spurs' second unit offensively and will make it even better after they ranked just ninth in bench scoring last season.

Him going from averaging a solid 11.9 points to, say, 16.5 points per game will help the Spurs' bench more than hold their own. The starting lineup already features two all-stars, including Wembayama, and a rising star in Stephon Castle.

That's a stacked starting five that most teams have no chance against, but winning the non-Wembanyama minutes is equally as important. Last season, he boasted a a staggering plus 21.3 net rating.

As a result, it was hard for teams to make up ground in the 19 minutes per game Wembanyama was on the bench. But having a bench mob that can build upon those leads makes a great team even better and able to withstand injuries to their best player.

The Spurs bench is their path back to the NBA Finals

Harper can get to the rim at will and could form a potent two-man game with Kornet, who is a terrific screen setter and roll-man. Factor in Johnson, who outworks everyone on the court, and Harris, who's a reliable shooter and versatile scorer, and the Spurs won't be hurting for offense.

Even when digging deeper into the second unit, the Spurs have depth on depth. Harrison Barnes began last season as a starter but now finds himself third on the team's depth chart at power forward.

He can still play and actually shot the ball much better after coming off the bench, while Reed Jr. looks poised to step in and be an immediate help at center.

In the event of an injury to Wembanyama, the Spurs are far better equipped than they were a season ago by finally getting a capable third center. Even when he is healthy but resting, San Antonio's bench should be far better. In fact, the second unit could be the make-all the difference in their quest to get back to the NBA Finals.

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