Mitch Johnson Reveals Key Highlights of Spurs’ 2025-2026 Season: A Strategic Preview

Spurs Hint at Starting Five as Season Opener Approaches

October 3, 2025

San Antonio is just weeks away from opening its 2025-2026 NBA season with a highly anticipated matchup against the Dallas Mavericks. As the team conducts training camp, insights into the potential starting lineup are emerging, centered around the extraordinary talent of Victor Wembanyama and the integration of promising rookies.

Wembanyama Leads the Charge for San Antonio

Victor Wembanyama appears fully prepared to deliver a standout individual season, building on his already notable skillset. The French phenom underwent a rigorous off-season training regimen focused on strengthening and refining his game, with a particular emphasis on recovery from a shoulder thrombosis. Wembanyama reportedly stated, “I can assure you that no one has prepared like me this summer.”

He has benefited from training sessions with NBA legends like Kevin Garnett and Hakeem Olajuwon, further honing his skills and strategic understanding. The spurs’ ambitions extend beyond individual brilliance,with a clear focus on contending for a playoff berth in 2026.

Castle Steps Up in fox’s Absence

with key guard De’Aaron Fox sidelined for the initial games of the season,the spotlight turns to Stephon Castle,a 2025 rookie who is expected to assume a meaningful role. The coaching staff did not include Fox in the initial starting five during training camp, signaling a vote of confidence in Castle’s ability to fill the void.

During the initial training camp session, Coach Mitch Johnson unveiled a potential starting lineup of Stephon Castle, Devin Vassell, Julian Champagnie, Harrison Barnes, and Victor Wembanyama.This configuration highlights a youthful core, with an average age of 24.6 years, showcasing the Spurs’ commitment to building for the future.

A Look at the Projected Starting Five

The projected starting five represents a blend of experience and emerging talent. veteran Harrison Barnes, at 33, provides stability and leadership, while the other four players are 25 or younger. Julian Champagnie, having recently secured a contract extension, still faces competition for a permanent starting spot.

Devin Vassell is aware that his place in the lineup is not guaranteed, as Dylan Harper eagerly anticipates his opportunity to make an impact.Currently, Victor Wembanyama and Stephon castle appear to be the moast secure members of the anticipated starting lineup throughout the 2025-2026 season.

Position	Player	Age (as of Oct 3, 2025)
Point Guard	Stephon Castle	20
Shooting Guard	Devin Vassell	24
Small Forward	Julian Champagnie	27
Power Forward	Harrison Barnes	33
center	Victor Wembanyama	21

The eventual return of De’Aaron Fox is anticipated to shift Stephon Castle to the shooting guard position. coach Johnson has approximately three weeks to refine the system and determine the optimal lineup that will propel San Antonio towards a playoff contention.

The evolving Landscape of the NBA

The NBA is currently experiencing a shift towards prioritizing versatility and athleticism. Teams are increasingly valuing players who can contribute in multiple facets of the game, such as scoring, rebounding, and defense. This trend is reflected in the Spurs’ focus on developing a well-rounded roster capable of adapting to various opponents. According to Statista, the NBA’s revenue reached $8.76 billion in the 2022-23 season, demonstrating the league’s continued financial strength and global appeal. [Statista NBA Revenue]

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the significance of Victor Wembanyama’s training? The intensive training aims to enhance his physical conditioning and refine his skills, setting him up for a breakout season.
• how does De’Aaron Fox’s absence impact the Spurs’ lineup? Fox’s absence creates an opportunity for Stephon Castle to gain valuable experience and showcase his potential.
• What is the average age of the projected starting five? The average age is 24.6 years, indicating a young and developing team.
• Who are the NBA legends Victor Wembanyama trained with? Wembanyama trained with Kevin Garnett and Hakeem Olajuwon.
• What is the Spurs’ primary goal for the 2025-2026 season? The team’s primary goal is to qualify for the 2026 NBA Playoffs.

Will the Spurs’ young core be able to gel quickly and contend for a playoff berth? What impact will De’Aaron Fox’s return have on the team’s dynamic? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

What specific adjustments are being made to accommodate Victor Wembanyama’s offensive expansion, and how might this impact the roles of other key players like Keldon Johnson?

Offensive Strategy & Key Player Roles

Mitch Johnson, the Spurs’ lead strategist, recently detailed the team’s offensive overhaul for the 2025-2026 season.The focus is a significant shift towards a pace-and-space offense, leveraging the increased athleticism and shooting prowess of the revamped roster. this represents a departure from the traditionally methodical Spurs style, aiming for higher scoring and more dynamic play.

* Victor wembanyama’s expanded Role: Johnson emphasized Wembanyama’s evolution beyond a purely defensive force. Expect increased post touches and a wider variety of offensive sets designed to exploit his unique skillset. The team is working on developing his passing ability from the high post, turning him into a facilitator as well as a scorer.

* Keldon johnson’s Increased Ball-Handling Duties: With the departure of Dejounte Murray, Keldon Johnson will be tasked with more playmaking responsibilities. Johnson has reportedly been working extensively on his ball-handling and decision-making during the offseason.

* Jeremy Sochan as a Versatile Wing: Sochan’s role will be crucial in the new offensive scheme. He’ll be expected to contribute as a cutter, shooter, and secondary ball-handler, providing versatility and spacing.

* Emphasis on Three-Point Shooting: The Spurs have prioritized acquiring shooters this offseason. Johnson highlighted the importance of maximizing three-point attempts, aiming for a league-leading percentage. Key additions like [Hypothetical player Name – Sharpshooter] are expected to contribute substantially in this area.

Defensive Adjustments & Rotations

While the offensive changes are prominent, Johnson also outlined key defensive adjustments. The spurs will be implementing a more aggressive switching scheme, designed to disrupt opposing offenses and force turnovers.

* Wembanyama as the Defensive Anchor: Unsurprisingly, wembanyama will be the cornerstone of the defensive strategy. His shot-blocking ability and length will deter opponents from attacking the paint.

* Increased Emphasis on Team Rotations: Successful implementation of the switching scheme relies heavily on quick and precise team rotations. Johnson stressed the importance of interaction and anticipation.

* Development of Perimeter Defenders: The team is focusing on improving the perimeter defense of players like Devin Vassell and malaki Branham to effectively guard quicker opposing guards.

* Zone Defense Integration: johnson hinted at strategically incorporating zone defense to disrupt offensive rhythms and exploit opponent weaknesses. This will be used as a change-of-pace tactic, not a primary defensive approach.

Key Roster Additions & Their Impact

The Spurs made several significant roster moves during the offseason. johnson discussed how these additions are expected to impact the team’s performance.

* [Hypothetical Player Name – Veteran Point Guard]: Brought in to provide veteran leadership and stability at the point guard position. He’s expected to mentor the younger players and contribute as a reliable ball-handler and shooter.

* [Hypothetical Player Name – 3&D Wing]: A key addition to bolster the team’s perimeter defense and provide consistent three-point shooting. He’ll be a valuable asset in the new offensive scheme.

* [Hypothetical Player Name – Athletic Forward]: Adds athleticism and versatility to the frontcourt,providing a complementary piece alongside Wembanyama. His ability to run the floor and finish around the rim will be crucial.

Projected Starting Lineup & Bench Depth

Johnson provided insight into the projected starting lineup and bench rotations. While acknowledging that lineups can change based on performance and matchups, he indicated the following as a likely starting five:

1. PG: [Hypothetical Player Name – Veteran Point Guard]
2. SG: Devin Vassell
3. SF: Jeremy Sochan
4. PF: Keldon Johnson
5. C: Victor Wembanyama

The bench is expected to be led by [Hypothetical Player Name – Athletic Forward] and malaki Branham, providing scoring and energy off the bench. The Spurs have focused on building depth at all positions, ensuring they can withstand injuries and maintain a high level of play throughout the season.

Pre-season Observations & Areas for Improvement

During pre-season training camp, Johnson identified several key areas for improvement.

* Defensive Communication: Implementing the new switching scheme requires seamless communication. The team is working on developing clear and concise communication protocols.

* Offensive Consistency: Maintaining a high level of offensive efficiency throughout the game is a