Tobias Harris' Spurs role may have already changed before playing a single game

The San Antonio Spurs are still waiting for Tobias Harris to make his debut, and when he does, his role may be dramatically different than expected. Harris was signed and expected to potentially start at power forward over Julian Champagnie.

Despite that, he will now come off the bench and play behind Devin Vassell, who is starting at the four. While Vassell is playing fewer than 20 minutes per game at that position, many expected Harris and Champagnie to essentially split playing time at power forward.

That could spell trouble for Harris. Starting Vassell has caused a ripple effect that could cause a shift in playing time for him, Champagnie, Keldon Johnson, and Carter Bryant.

As a result, Harris could play a smaller role than expected, with the Spurs suddenly having a logjam at power forward.

Tobias Harris' role with the Spurs may have already changed

With Vassell starting and both Harris and Champagnie coming off the bench, the Spurs will have to get creative to utilize all three players. Champagnie can play small forward, though that will eat into playing time for both Johnson and Bryant.

Harris doesn't have the luxury of scaling down and playing the three and probably won't play much at the five. That may limit his potential playing time, perhaps to around 20 minutes per game.

Of course, things like injuries or changes to their rotation can free up more playing time, but Harris can hopefully make do with less. The Spurs still need his combination of size and shooting, but their rotation doesn't necessarily allow for a lot of minutes.

The Spurs still need Tobias Harris, just perhaps less than before

Harris is a versatile scorer who can also pass, giving San Antonio a useful offensive player. In fact, his skill set differs from the other forwards on the roster, allowing him to potentially carve out a role all to himself.

How big that role is remains to be seen. Something has to give; Johnson may have to play less to make way for more Champagnie at the three. In turn, that would carve out time for Harris at the four but leave fewer minutes for Bryant.

I would hate to be Mitch Johnson, having to juggle so many players, but having too many rotation players isn't exactly a bad thing. Harris has also proven malleable, so I have no doubt he can still make due in whatever role he ultimately is asked to play.

We won't know the extent of his role until he makes his debut, but he will be a welcome addition, even if he may play less than expected.

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