Spurs are uniquely positioned to exploit NBA’s next step in evolution

After a terrific offseason, the San Antonio Spurs suddenly look like they are ready to make a big leap next season. Part of their potential success is their versatility with having plenty of length, size, and athleticism.

This isn't your father's Spurs. Even so, they could borrow a page from the Spurs from yesteryear by playing more two-big-man lineups despite the league mostly shying away from those pairings. However, with the Oklahoma City Thunder winning a championship playing two big men, best believe those lineups will make a comeback.

The obvious option would be pairing Victor Wembanyama and Kornet together and seeing if they can put a lid on the rim with their length and size. The thought of having Wembanyama go back to playing the four might be controversial, considering how dominant he's been as a center.

Since becoming a full-time center, Wembanyama has put up video game numbers, averaging 23.3 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.8 blocks, and 4.1 assists, and shooting 35% on 7.2 3-point attempts per game.

Even so, the Spurs would be crazy not to experiment with more two-big-man lineups next season.

The Spurs should dust off the two-big-man lineups

San Antonio has historically used two big-man lineups to perfection, with Tim Duncan and David Robinson, Duncan and Tiago Splitter, and LaMarcus Aldridge and Pau Gasol being just a few talented pairings.

In theory, Wembanyama and Kornet are perfect fits for one another. Wembanyama can space the floor and serve as a focal point on offense, while Kornet is a solid screen setter, rim runner, and offensive rebounder.

Spacing might be an issue but not as much as some might think. Wembanyama isn't an especially good screen setter, but Kornet is, and he could free up De'Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle to get downhill and attack the basket. He could also generate extra offensive possessions and make the most of those possessions as a strong passer and finisher.

The Spurs could mix and match big man lineups

Other big man lineups could include Kelly Olynyk. He could play with either Kornet or Wembanyama and be a nice option considering his passing, 3-point shooting, and scoring inside the paint. Defensively, they could cover up his flaws, helping to maximize his effectiveness.

The most likely big man pairing is Wembanyama or Kornet with Jeremy Sochan. Sochan isn't strictly a big man, but his lack of shooting essentially shoehorns him into the position.

He'll primarily play with Kornet and form the backbone of what is hopefully a strong bench unit that puts the clamps on opposing lineups. He'll play some with Wembanyama, though Harrison Barnes remains a superior offensive fit.

Nevertheless, Sochan and Wembanyama did show promise offensively. Coach Mitch Johnson experimented with having Sochan set screens for Wembanyama before slipping the screen and catching a Wembanyama lob at the rim.

Defensively, they obviously have their strengths, with Sochan being able to defend guards, wings, and power forwards, with Wembanyama being a deterrent at the rim. Finding the right combination of players around them is trickier with the Spurs overall lack of shooters. But if Sochan's jumper is actually improved—ruh-roh for the rest of the NBA.

Ultimately, the possibility of the Spurs playing two big-man lineups is strong. Especially with them having enough complementary pieces to make those lineups work in a small-ball NBA.