Starting lineup revamp would be best decision for sputtering Spurs

San Antonio's season isn't about wins and losses anymore, and that's okay, but they need to make a switch to the starting lineup. The most common complaint from fans stems from the belief Stephon Castle should be in the starting lineup. While that's absolutely correct, it isn't the only change that should be made to the opening unit for the long-term benefit of the organization.

The Spurs have the seventh-toughest remaining schedule in the NBA, according to Tankathon. On top of that, they are already four games behind the 10th-seeded Sacramento Kings. There's no real benefit to going all in for the playoffs anymore, so chemistry and development should be the focus for this team for the rest of the season.

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If De'Aaron Fox decides to get surgery on his finger, this could be a moot point, but he hasn't made that decision yet. He was brought in to lead from the point guard position, and his experience should be enough to send Chris Paul to the bench. Paul can provide plenty of value with the second unit, but Castle should be getting more acclimated to the NBA game and improving his chemistry with Fox.

The starting lineup used since the Victor Wembanyama news broke consists of De'Aaron Fox, Chris Paul, Devin Vassell, Harrison Barnes, and Bismack Biyombo. In the three games they've played together, this starting group ranks last in offensive rating and sixth in defensive rating.

The balance is way out of whack, which just increases the frustration, considering the lineup also doesn't prioritize the growth of the players expected to be on the roster next season.

Vassell's long-term place in San Antonio should be questioned by every Spurs fan who has paid attention to his trajectory. His contract demands he provides more, but he's been unable to do that, so put Julian Champagnie in his spot. Dev performed best from the bench this season, so maybe that's where he should finish the season.

This fifth-year guard is only shooting 34.4% 3PT. His confidence seems completely shaken. There's an argument to be made that sending him to the bench will make his confidence problem worse, but it's hard to imagine worse than what he's been doing, so I won't be the one making said argument.

Champagnie is shooting 36.9% this year and 37.5% in the month of February—his second-highest shooting month of the season. Jules also shoots 41.7% from three on no days rest, and since the team has seven back-to-backs left on their schedule, that uncanny ability will be useful. Reward him for the work he's put in and place him back in the starting lineup, allowing his confidence to build.

The Spurs should be rolling out Fox, Castle, Champagnie, Barnes, and Biyombo or Bassey. It's too early to tell if San Antonio would be willing to bring Biyombo back, but he's looked solid in the limited action he's seen thus far. Other than that small bit of uncertainty, the other guys should all be back next season, so building their chemistry and confidence should be the focus for the rest of the year.