The Spurs won't be able to hide these roster decisions much longer

Training camp is just around the corner, which means preseason basketball will be here before you know it. Fans will get their first real look at how Mitch Johnson intends to use such a large assortment of talent. After their unexpected run to the NBA Finals, the Spurs brought back most of their roster, but there are still questions that need to be answered.

There have been plenty of starting lineup projections and game plan predictions, but we're actually going to see what San Antonio has in store rather than playing the guessing game. The preseason will give us our first meaningful clues about a few pressing issues.

Who will initiate the offense this year between De'Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle? Who will start at the power forward spot? Will Keldon Johnson be pushed aside for Carter Bryant? We'll begin to find out the answer to these questions on October 8, when the Atlanta Hawks visit San Antonio.

The Fox-Castle decision could bring different implications

Swipa missed the first two weeks of the 2025-26 campaign, so it was obvious that Castle would be the primary playmaker, but it was surprising to see him keep the role once Fox returned. The former Kings' franchise star has always been the lead ball handler on his teams. It's his best role.

However, after careful thought, the clearest explanation for that goes back to the preceding offseason. Fox didn't get a chance to work on his chemistry with the team because he was rehabbing a hamstring strain. Now he's healthy and getting that time, so it would be reasonable to see Mitch put the ball in his hands.

Castle thrived as an off-ball guard in college, and many believe that's his natural position. If asked to resume that role, Steph could have the breakout year fans are waiting for. He's already improved as a passer, and shooting is next on his list. It could be a perfect storm for the 2025 Rookie of the Year, and meanwhile, Fox could turn back into the best version of himself. It's a win-win.

The forward rotation is the Spurs' most uncertain position

Julian Champagnie vs. Tobias Harris. Who starts, and how different are their minutes? Champ provides the best spacing, and Tobi adds a level of offensive versatility that Juju can't. The continuity factor can't be ignored either. There's something to be said about knowing what you're going to get from the guys around you. That comfort is easier to maintain if the pieces remain the same.

Victor Wembanyama, Castle, Fox, and Devin Vassell already know what to expect from Champagnie. They'd have to learn what Harris likes and vice versa. Either way, the preseason will give fans insight into what Mitch Johnson thinks because, at the end of the day, he's the one who will decide.

Then there's Keldon Johnson vs. Carter Bryant. KJ is the vet. He's the longest-tenured player on the team and is entering a contract year. Bryant is the young, more versatile prospect with insane defensive capabilities. Most fans seem to want CB to get more time on the floor, but again, Coach Johnson will be the one to make that call.

On October 8, we'll see who gets called to the scorer's table first and who plays more minutes. It will only be one game, but it will be the first clue as to which direction last season's Coach of the Year finalist is leaning.

The preseason won't count toward the games that matter, but that doesn't mean they aren't useful. Players start to warm up for the season, and fans get their first chance to put all of the talking to rest in favor of actually seeing the answers they seek played out in front of them. It won't be long now.

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