Spurs' biggest luxury has quietly become Mitch Johnson's most pressing challenge

After Kawhi Leonard torpedoed the franchise that drafted him on his way out the door, the Spurs' biggest problem from the DeMar DeRozan era through 2022 was obvious. They simply didn't have enough talent to seriously contend for a title. Now, that issue has been completely flipped on its head.

San Antonio will enter the 2026-27 campaign with legitimate NBA players up and down the roster. An advantageous reality gives Mitch Johnson an enviable yet difficult job. Finding minutes for everyone will be the ultimate balancing act between winning and keeping players happy and ready to contribute in the biggest moments.

Mitch Johnson's biggest job will be managing the deepest team in the NBA

Dylan Harper and Carter Bryant are heading into their second seasons. Both players showed tremendous in-season growth, and if they can do that, it's reasonable to believe they'll take another jump during their first NBA offseason just as Stephon Castle did. That starting unit is rock solid, though.

The opening lineup of De'Aaron Fox, Castle, Devin Vassell, Julian Champagnie, and Victor Wembanyama was one of the best groups in the league last year—starters or no starters. Each one of those guys is young and belongs on the court. They're going to help this team win games again.

On top of his sophomores, Coach Johnson will have Tobias Harris, Keldon Johnson, Harrison Barnes, Tarris Reed Jr., Luke Kornet, and, when he returns from rehabbing his knee, Jayden Quaintance at his disposal. Not everyone will be able to average 30 minutes a night, so for the players, what makes you laugh could be what makes you cry.

It's much better to be on a good team with depth than a bad one, struggling to find production, but depending on your status as a player, it can lower your playing time. And players want to play. However, no matter how Mitch slices it, someone deserving more time will end up with fewer minutes than everyone thinks.

This is where the challenge becomes a strength. Having too many capable players is not a problem contenders complain about. The key is making sure everyone understands and embraces their role. The kind of depth San Antonio has affords fresher legs through an 82-game season, injury insurance, and lineup versatility. There won't be a playoff opponent that they shouldn't be able to solve.

Every championship contender reaches a point where talent alone isn't enough. The Spurs found that out last month. Managing that talent is just as important. Their greatest luxury now is having more quality players than available minutes, and if Mitch Johnson solves that puzzle, San Antonio will be the most adaptable team in basketball.

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